It may not be Aintree, but that did not deter more than 3,000 spectators who snapped up free tickets for the Durham National at Sedgefield Racecourse, in County Durham, last night. Helen Smithson reports.

GETTING hold of tickets for a sports event, and paying nothing for the privilege, is something of a rarity these days.

But in an attempt to widen the appeal of horse racing, Sedgefield Racecourse, in County Durham, granted free entry for the Durham National last night, and welcomed a near-capacity crowd for a night at the races.

The event was part of a week-long campaign by the Racing For Change organisation, involving eight racecourses across the country, which are offering free entry one night this week.

There was none of the flamboyance and high fashion synonymous with venues such as Aintree and Ascot, but the competitive edge, and buzz from the bookies, were there nonetheless.

Although Sedgefield Racecourse has a capacity of 5,000, its management team only distributed 3,500 tickets to ensure the comfort and safety of the crowd.

More than 3,000 of those ticket-holders turned up, with spectators travelling from all over the North-East, and some making the trip down from Scotland.

Men and women of all ages pored over race-cards and copies of the Racing Post, and many brought along binoculars to get a better view of the competitors as they raced around the onemile track.

There were six races in total throughout the evening, with the Totepool Durham National causing the most excitement.

The event was a three-mile feature race, boasting by far the biggest prize fund of the evening – £25,000.

The excitement by the starting line was palpable as the riders lined up, and the small stand overlooking the finish line became increasingly animated as the race reached its climax.

As the ten competitors approached the home straight, so the crowd approached fever-pitch, and the noise levels grew as the winners galloped across the finish line.

General Hardi, ridden by Brian Hughes, and owned and trained by Sedgefieldbased John Wade, finished first.

The crowd comprised people of all ages, and from all walks of life, some of whom were racing fanatics, and others who simply fancied a freebie.

Shaun Moore, from Houghton-le-Spring, a regular visitor, said: “It is nice to see a few more people here rather than just the regulars.

“I hope it will attract more race-goers, and that people will come back. It has been a great night.”

Diane Knowles, from Middlesbrough, said: “I go to the races at Redcar quite a lot, but I love this racecourse.

“I have been here a few times, but never seen this many people here. It is a really good crowd.”

Speaking during last night’s event, Jill Williamson, general manager of Sedgefield Racecourse, said: “It is lovely to see so many people here.

Our data capture shows that there are a lot of people in attendance who do not usually come to the races.

“It is also a great event for our regulars, who we rely on over the winter. This is our way of giving something back to them.”

For information on future events at the racecourse, visit sedgefieldracecourse.co.uk