Grand National undergoes radical overhaul with five major changes confirmed including slashing the number of runners

FIVE major changes to the Grand National have been confirmed – meaning the world’s most famous race will look radically different from next year.

The number of runners has been slashed from 40 to 34 and one of the jumps has been made smaller as part of a huge overhaul.

The Times

The Grand National is the world’s most famous race – but the 2024 version will look significantly different after chiefs introduced the biggest changes for years[/caption]

The Jockey Club confirmed the plans have been given the green light as part of a ‘relentless focus’ on horse and jockey welfare.

Last year’s Grand National was marred by protestors storming the track minutes before the race, as police and local residents battled to stop them gluing themselves to the track and fences.

The Jockey Club, in conjunction with the British Horseracing Authority, have outlined five key features that will come into force in time for the National on April 13 next year.

They are:

• Maximum number of runners cut from 40 to 34.

• First of the 16 fences moved 60 yards closer to stop horses running too fast at the start.

• Off time of 5.15pm brought forward to ensure the best ground conditions.

• Running rail altered to help capture loose horses.

• Minimum handicap rating raised to 130 from 125.

In addition to this, the biggest changes to the £1million race for a decade will also see a standing start be used in a bid to slow speed approaching the first jump.

Trainer Sandy Thomson tragically saw his horse Hill Sixteen suffer a fatal injury at the first last year.

Fence 11 has been shortened by two inches to 4ft 10ins and the landing side ‘levelled off’ to reduce the height of the drop.

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MATT CHAPHAM: Grand National changes show our leaders have caved in

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And the potential to bar horses from running has increased after it was confirmed the panel in charge of giving the thumbs up will ‘further enhance its procedures to closely scrutinise horses entered in the race that have made jumping errors in 50 per cent or more of their last eight races, before allowing them to run’.

Discussions with broadcaster ITV will be held over the earlier running time.

Working around the traditional Saturday 3pm kick-offs could see a magic window of 3.45-4.15pm be perfect for the big race, which has had the now-abolished field of 40 runners since 1984.

BHA chief Julie Harrington said the changes were recognition the race, run over 4m2½, had to ‘move with the times and maintain public support’.

While trainer Lucinda Russell, who won last year’s race with Corach Rambler, said: “I am fully supportive of reducing the field size and I don’t feel that six fewer runners will make a difference to the heritage of the race.

“It can only be a good step and hopefully will help improve the start procedures.

“The level of welfare in racing is phenomenal and something we should be proud of. Once again Aintree is trying to make things safer.”

Legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh, who won the race twice, said the Grand National was evolving and the changes will ensure its survival.

He said: “I think these changes represent the evolution of the Grand National.

“The world is ever-changing and the Grand National and indeed horseracing, like any other sport, has to be prepared to change.

“Risk can never be removed but you have to try and minimise it.

“Horse welfare is a huge part of horseracing – it’s a team sport between horse and rider and we are responsible for the welfare of the horse.

“I think the changes announced by The Jockey Club will enhance the Grand National as a horse race and help to ensure its future.”

Emma Slawinski, the RSPCA’s Director of Policy, said the body ‘welcomed’ the changes but added: “The BHA and The Jockey Club know that the RSPCA will continue to urge them to go further for the good of horse welfare.”

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