Uttoxeter Racecourse has revealed that it is close to announcing new sponsors for the Midlands Grand National.

The March showpiece saw its previous three-year deal with John Smiths expire after this year's race.

General manager David MacDonald told BBC Radio Stoke: "Last year was the most successful Midlands Grand National so we're going to try and build on it.

"There are probably two or three (companies) still in with a chance. There's a lot of interest in it."

He continued: "We've talked to bookmakers and drinks companies but we're pretty sure we'll be able to confirm the sponsorship and hopefully a three-year deal in the next few weeks."

I think it's more a Midlands meeting now, it's for Midlands people and a Midlands persons race Uttoxeter Racecourse general manager David MacDonald

MacDonald admitted that the Midlands Grand National had been affected by a decision by Cheltenham to race on the Friday before the meeting, but despite the clash he is adamant that the event is stronger than ever.

"We certainly saw a decline in the number of Irish people coming up, but we increased admissions by 20% last year and had record takings," he said.

"I think it's more a Midlands meeting now, it's for Midlands people and a Midlands persons race.

"I'm hoping the sponsor will be a major name though so I'm excited about that."

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