In 1997, the Saturday meeting was abandoned after two coded bomb threats were received, with media outlets announcing threats from the IRA. 60,000 spectators, jockeys, race personnel and local residents were evacuated, and the course was secured by police. The grand national race was eventually run on the Monday, with the meeting organisers offering free admission. It was said that some 20,000 people were left stranded over the weekend, with cars and coaches locked in the course. Limited accommodation in the city and surrounding areas meant that local residents opened their doors and took in many of those stranded.