Economy makes £60m from Grand National

A study by the Liverpool Business School at Liverpool John Moores University found that the 2022 Grand National Festival brought an estimated £60 million boost to the local economy of the Liverpool City Region. The event, held at Aintree Racecourse, had a significant impact on the hospitality and entertainment sectors, with nearly half of the total economic impact attributed to the Grand National Day.

The study, based on survey responses, showed that the majority of the money came directly from spectators’ spending. Local businesses, from hotels to hairdressers, extended their opening hours to cater to the high demand. The annual event attracted a loyal following, with nearly all attendees coming with friends or family.

Dickon White, the North West’s regional director for The Jockey Club, said the findings would help with future planning of the event. He added that the study was informative for them to see the event quantified with detailed economic data, despite already knowing how significant the Grand National is.

The study also emphasised the importance of the Grand National in the local and global sporting calendar, stating that it remained a major player with the Liverpool City Region, the UK, and the global racing calendars. The researchers concluded that the Grand National Festival’s economic impact was a “massive boost” to the local economy, which they would not have seen without the pull of the festival.