Key Highlights :
Scudamore, who won the Grand National in 1985, is in favour of the changes, noting that the race has constantly evolved over time. He points out that the fences have been significantly modified and that there is now £1 million in prize money up for grabs, which has attracted better horses to the race.
Scudamore believes that the changes will make the race safer, as the tightening of the numbers will reduce the likelihood of horses being entered into the race whose presence is questionable. He notes that in the past, it was acceptable to have horses in the race that weren’t necessarily the best, but that this is no longer the case.
The jockey also notes that there have been Grand Nationals in the past with less than the maximum of 40 runners, and that reducing the number of runners won’t devalue the race in any way. He does, however, caution against the law of unintended consequences, noting that by making the famous Becher’s Brook less daunting, more runners tend to line up on the inside of the track, which can lead to overcrowding.
Scudamore also acknowledges that by reducing the number of runners, the race will strip some of its colour. He notes that two of the last 10 winners, Auroras Encore in 2013 and Minella Times in 2021, would not have made the race under the new plans. However, he points out that this is sport in the modern age, and that with the increased money on offer, the race is competed for by an elite cohort.
In conclusion, Peter Scudamore welcomes the changes made to the Grand National, noting that animal welfare considerations must be the number one priority. He believes that on the balance of probabilities, the alterations will make the most watched jumps race of the year safer, and that the best horses should be competing in the race.