Racecourse festival to mark Grand National

Apr 4 2008 by Jane Hall, The Journal

NEWCASTLE Racecourse is hosting a Grand National Beer Festival race day tomorrow at High Gosforth Park to coincide with the running of the world’s most famous steeplechase at Aintree.

Real ales featured are Theakston Best Bitter, Theakston Black Bull Bitter, Theakston XB and a new one, John Smith’s Winner’s Tipple, which promises to be an easy-drinking ale with distinct banana notes, caramel and a hint of liquorice. The Sports Relief charity will also benefit by 5p a pint.

Master barrel-maker Jonathan Manby – one of only three brewery coopers in the country – will give a cask-making demonstration.

Jonathan is extremely entertaining and while wielding a dangerous-looking chisel and hammer, he’ll more than likely disclose that he works by the traffic light system – see red and stop.

Gates open at noon with the first of six races at 2.05pm (last race 5.10pm). Details: www.newcastle- racecourse.co.uk