Officials at Aintree Racecourse, where the annual John Smith’s Grand National takes place, claim demand for the 2012 meeting is at an all-time high. Advance tickets for the event, which will take place on April 14, are up 27%.

Ticket demand for the 2011 meeting surprised some, selling out for the first time in 30 years. The event also attracted 8.8 million television viewers.

Commenting on 2012 sales to-date, Julian Thick, managing director at Aintree Racecourse, said: “We are delighted with ticket sales so far for the 2012 John Smith’s Grand National meeting.

“Seated enclosures always sell quickly due to limited availability, but it is particularly pleasing to see such a surge in demand for general admission areas, which typically don’t sell out until closer to the event.

“In August we released news of some balanced course modifications, which are now complete. We’re gearing up to racing over the Grand National course in December in a race that offers some clues as to possible entries for the 2012 Grand National.

“I believe today’s sales news is a good indication of the appetite for one of the biggest sporting events in the calendar.”