Posted on: October 16, 2023, 04:17h.
Last updated on: October 16, 2023, 04:17h.
The upcoming UK’s Grand National horse race in April will see significant changes aimed at improving safety for horses and riders. These modifications include reducing the number of runners from 40 to 36 and lowering the height of the 11th fence.
With an estimated global viewership of 500 million to 600 million in over 140 countries, the Grand National is renowned as the most famous horse race in the world. However, it has also faced considerable controversy.
The race’s lengthy distance of 4 miles, large field, and the unique height and number of fences make it a favorite for bettors, as it often results in unexpected winners at high odds. However, animal rights organizations have consistently criticized the race as being dangerous and inhumane.
Activist Invasion
The previous year’s Grand National, which took place in April, experienced a 14-minute delay when protestors breached the racetrack by scaling the perimeter fences. Some individuals even managed to glue themselves to the fences on the track.
Since a safety review was conducted in 2012 and modifications were made to the track, there have been five fatalities out of 395 runners in the past ten Grand Nationals.
During this year’s three-day meet at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, three horses lost their lives, including one during the Grand National itself. Hill Sixteen suffered a fatal injury when falling at the first fence out of 30.
As part of the new reforms, the first fence will be relocated 60 yards closer to the start. Recent research has shown that horses’ speeds have increased from 28mph to approximately 35mph in recent years, necessitating this change.
To address this issue, the race will now begin with a standing start instead of letting horses run into it. Additionally, the race will commence earlier in the day to ensure the ground remains softer and slower.
Opposing Voices
While many individuals have praised these changes, a spokesperson for Animal Rising, the group responsible for the disruption at the previous race, expressed that no safety measures would be sufficient until horse racing was completely halted in the UK.
On the other hand, traditionalists perceive these modifications as further diluting a race that has been in existence for nearly 200 years.
“A safe Grand National is the ultimate oxymoron – even mentioning it creates false expectations,” remarked David Jennings, deputy Ireland editor at The Racing Post.
“Despite still being the Grand National, piece by piece, fence by fence, furlong by furlong, and runner by runner, this great Aintree event is slowly losing its essence and becoming just another staying handicap chase,” he added.