Racing: Aintree to rebuild stands

Aintree have announced major plans for a £30m redevelopment, which will include new grandstands, a parade ring and winner's enclosure.

A planning application was submitted to Sefton Council last week and construction work is expected to begin immediately after next year's National meeting. The project will be completed in two phases and is planned to be finished in time for the 2007 National fixture. The rebuilding will be paid for from Aintree's own resources as well as with money from the Levy Board and European and regional funding.

* Newcastle will inspect at 1.30pm today to decide if tomorrow's meeting can go ahead. James Armstrong, the clerk of the course, said: "At the moment there are areas of the track that are unraceable, but the forecast is for it to be dry, and that is in our favour."