Grand National to reduce number of horses to 34 and soften fences in bid to make famous race safer

LONDON — The Grand National will reduce its field to 34 horses as part of a slew of significant changes, taking effect from next year, in an effort to make the world’s most famous steeplechase safer for horses and jockeys.

Other changes include softening the fences by using foam and rubber toe boards, and moving the first fence closer to the start to stop horses building up too much speed.

The race will also start earlier in the day, so the course stays as soft as possible, and the horses will set off from a standing start.

The Grand National has had a field of 40 horses since 1984, which has often been cited — along with the size of the fences — as a key reason why 16 horses have died in the race since the turn of the century.

It takes place over 30 fences and typically in front of 70,000 spectators at Aintree and a global TV audience, making it one of the biggest occasions on the British sporting calendar but also among the most scrutinized in terms of equine welfare concerns.

“I believe that a competitive, fair and safe Randox Grand National is one of the best ways of ensuring the sport continues to thrive for generations to come and remains an important part of Britain’s culture and economy,” said Nevin Truesdale, chief executive of The Jockey Club, which operates the top racecourses in Britain.

“That means our sport, like many other sports have done, needs to recognize when action needs to be taken to evolve because the safety and care of horses and jockeys will always be our No. 1 priority.”

The changes will be made following a review that included gathering insights from independent research papers into racehorse welfare, statistical data analysis relating to the race over many years and after taking the views of the racing industry, the British Horseracing Authority, campaigner World Horse Welfare, as well as jockeys and trainers.

The RSPCA, which is Britain’s largest animal welfare charity, welcomed the changes and said it was pleased to see the racing authorities taking horse welfare seriously.

Ruby Walsh, a two-time Grand National-winning jockey, said the race “has to be prepared to change.”

“There are lots of people who don’t like change but all sports change,” Walsh said. “Soccer is not the same game it was 30 or even 15 years ago and looking at the Rugby World Cup, rugby has had to evolve.

“Racing is the same in that we have to evolve to ensure the future of the sport.”

The 2024 Grand National takes place on April 13.

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Steve Douglas, The Associated Press