BOMB WARNING POSTPONES GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE.

Byline: Associated Press 

The Grand National steeplechase, in Liverpool, England, was postponed Saturday when police evacuated the race course and carried out controlled explosions, wrecking one of the world's most colorful sports events.

After receiving two coded bomb warnings, Merseyside police started the evacuation of the Aintree course only a half-hour before the prestigious race was to be held before a crowd of 60,000 and a worldwide TV audience of 400 million.

Princess Anne and movie star Gregory Peck, who was celebrating his 81st birthday, were among celebrities quickly ushered away from the course to safety.

Clerk of the course Charlie Barnett announced live on BBC that the day's racing had been abandoned and, 40 minutes later with the stands empty, police carried out controlled explosions of suspicious packages found in the stands.

They said the evacuation was orderly and no one was injured.

Aintree officials, meanwhile, were deciding when to reschedule the race, with Monday appearing the most preferred option.

Although there was speculation by fans and trainers that the bomb warnings might be the work of animal-rights activists, who have tried for years to disrupt the race, the IRA was believed to be to blame.

``I am appalled that the IRA seems to be threatening hundreds of thousands of people and causing such disruption,'' Prime Minister John Major said.

``This is further demonstration of their contempt and disregard for the lives and interests of ordinary people. The IRA's campaign is cynical and detestable.

``They must know that this can only harden our resolve never to make concessions to terrorists.''

Irish Premier John Bruton also condemned the disruption of the race, which is traditionally attended by hundreds of his countrymen.

``It is absolutely outrageous that a sporting event like the Grand National should be disrupted in this callous manner,'' he said. Bruton said the IRA had delivered ``a calculated snub'' to the Northern Ireland peace process.

The 38 horses already were parading when police told organizers that two coded bomb warnings had been received. After the course was evacuated an army bomb disposal team searched the entire course.

Bookmakers estimated that $120,000 had been wagered on the race.

Unprecedented security was in operation anyway after two bombs went off last week at Wilmslow, some 30 miles south of Liverpool and two devices were discovered at motorway junctions some 50 miles farther south near Birmingham.

Some 500 police, some with flak jackets and carrying semi-automatic weapons, were on duty for the first time in the 158-year history of the famous steeplechase.

Glitter Woman glides to win: In Lexington, Ky., Glitter Woman scored her fourth straight victory, coasting to an impressive 6-1/2-length victory in the $543,750 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland.

Glitter Woman, the 1-5 favorite ridden by Mike Smith, took the lead on the far turn and wasn't challenged in pulling away from five other 3-year-old fillies. The daughter of Glitterman covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:43 4/5.

Anklet, breaking from the No. 1 post position, led the first quarter-mile before relinquishing the lead to Glitter Woman on the outside. Anklet, under Willie Martinez, held position to finish second while Storm Song was another two lengths back in third.