Posted on: October 16, 2023, 04:17h.
Last updated on: October 16, 2023, 04:17h.
New changes to the UK’s Grand National horse race aim to enhance safety and reduce risks for horses and riders in the upcoming April event. These modifications include a reduction in the number of runners from 40 to 36 and a decrease in the height of the 11th fence by two inches.
With an estimated global viewership of 500 million to 600 million in over 140 countries, the Grand National is arguably the most renowned horse race worldwide. However, it has also been the subject of controversy.
The race’s 4-mile distance, large field, and unique number and height of fences make it an attractive option for bettors seeking surprise winners at long odds. Nonetheless, animal rights organizations have long criticized the race, asserting that it poses dangers and promotes cruelty.
Activist Invasion
This year’s Grand National, held in April, experienced a 14-minute delay when activists breached the racetrack by scaling perimeter fences with ladders. Some managed to attach themselves to fences on the track.
Since a safety review resulted in track modifications in 2012, there have been five fatalities from 395 runners in the 10 Grand Nationals.
Three horses died during the three-day meet at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, including one during the Grand National itself. Hill Sixteen suffered an “unrecoverable injury” when falling at the first fence out of 30.
To address the increasing speeds of horses approaching the first fence, which have risen from 28mph to around 35mph in recent years, the starting position of the fence will be moved 60 yards closer to the starting line. Additionally, the race will commence earlier in the day to maintain softer and slower ground conditions.
Opposing Voices
Although many have commended the changes, a spokesperson for Animal Rising, the group responsible for the disruption during this year’s race, told the BBC that no safety modifications would be sufficient until horse racing was permanently halted in the UK.
Meanwhile, traditionalists perceive the changes as further diluting a race that has existed for nearly 200 years.
“A safe Grand National is the ultimate oxymoron – and even mentioning it creates dishonest expectations,” remarked David Jennings, deputy Ireland editor at The Racing Post.
“While it may still be referred to as the Grand National, piece by piece, fence by fence, furlong by furlong, and runner by runner, the notable Aintree event is slowly being transformed into just another heavily handicapped chase,” he added.