Key Highlights :
The iconic Randox Grand National is set to undergo a major revamp in 2024, with organisers The Jockey Club cutting the field size from 40 to 34 runners. The Jockey Club, who run Aintree, have taken the dramatic decision in the interest of the health and safety of all human and equine participants, and believe it is imperative to make the move now.
The £1million race, which is the world's most famous, will see a maximum of 34 runners go to post instead of 40. The revamp is set to include the first fence being moved 60 yards closer to the start line, the field being required to begin from a standing start, the 'off' being brought forward from its current 5.15pm time to a slot earlier in the day, and an expert panel will scrutinise the jumping capabilities of all entries.
The Jockey Club have spent six months talking with many parties, including the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, and analysing data from all Grand Nationals over the last decade. Special focus was attached to the most recent one, which was won by the 8/1 favourite Corach Rambler. Hill Sixteen, an 80/1 outside trained in Scotland by Sandy Thomson, suffered a fatal fall at the first fence after the Grand National was delayed 14 minutes due to Animal Rising protestors storming onto the course and attempting to glue themselves to an obstacle.
By taking six runners out of the fray, The Jockey Club believes there will be more space for jockeys and horses to manoeuvre and the approach to all obstacles will be a little less claustrophobic – not least on what used to be a charge to the first. Five horses failed to get beyond the first fence in April and, as such, Aintree recognised action needed to be taken: by shortening the run to it by 60 yards, the pace will theoretically be slower and prevent over-enthusiastic runners building up a head of steam.
The changes have been welcomed by dual Grand National winning jockey turned ITV pundit Ruby Walsh, who said: 'The world is ever-changing. The Grand National and, indeed, horseracing – like any other sport – has to be prepared to change. Risk can't be removed but you have to try and minimise it.'
The Jockey Club have taken the decision to reduce the field size of the Randox Grand National in the interest of the health and safety of all human and equine participants. The revamp is set to include the first fence being moved 60 yards closer to the start line, the field being required to begin from a standing start, the 'off' being brought forward from its current 5.15pm time to a slot earlier in the day, and an expert panel will scrutinise the jumping capabilities of all entries. This is a necessary move to ensure the iconic race remains safe and continues to be a part of Britain's culture and economy.