23 February 2023 , 12:40
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The 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster are to be commemorated on Grand National Day this year.
Aintree racecourse has chosen to remember the tragic events because this year’s big race will be staged on April 15, the day of its 34th anniversary.
The crowd will be invited to join a minute’s applause to remember the victims of the fatal crush in the crowd at the Sheffield Wednesday stadium before the FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in 1989.
Liverpool’s manager at the time Sir Kenny Dalglish applauded Aintree’s decision to remember those who died.
“My thoughts are always with everyone affected by what happened at Hillsborough on April 15th 1989 and the anniversary each year is always a poignant day for the city of Liverpool.
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“While it is an event watched the world over, the Randox Grand National has always been synonymous with the local area so it’s a fantastic gesture by Aintree Racecourse and The Jockey Club to remember those who lost their loved ones in this way.
“It might be 34 years since 97 people went to a football match and didn’t come home but moments like this show that they will never be forgotten.”
Sir Kenny Dalglish: managed Liverpool at the time of the 1984 tragedy (PA)Dickon White, the Jockey Club’s regional Director for the North West, said : “Aintree Racecourse and Liverpool FC both have indelible links to the city of Liverpool and form a huge part of its sporting heritage.
“With Grand National Day falling on the exact anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster for the first time ever in 2023, it seems only right that we will take some time to remember the 97 people who tragically lost their life that day.”