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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Steve Douglas

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

Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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.

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