The traditional 40-runner charge to the first in the Grand National has been consigned to history following an announcement on Thursday by Jockey Club Racecourses, which operates Aintree, that the maximum field for the world’s most famous steeplechase will be cut to 34 from next year in an attempt to reduce the number of fallers. The 15% cut in the number of runners that face the 30 National jumps is one of several initiatives after a frenetic and incident-packed race in April, in which five horses – including Hill Sixteen, who suffered a fatal injury – failed to get past the first fence, and three more went at the second. The race was also delayed by 15 minutes as police and security staff dealt with an attempt by animal rights activists to prevent it taking place, further fraying the nerves in what is always a febrile pre-race atmosphere.
Acting on data that shows the cruising speed of National participants has increased as a result of better horses taking part, the first fence will be moved 60 yards closer to the start in an attempt to reduce the field’s speed in the early stages. The track will also implement a standing start in all races over the National fences, including those at the course’s meetings in November and December.
