Aintree Racecourse have revealed the reserves system for the Randox Grand National is to be discontinued from 2023.
The reserves system, which allows up to four horses to obtain a run in the Grand National after the initial 48-hour declaration stage, was first introduced in 2000. The reserves were brought into the race if one or more of the original declarations were confirmed as a non-runner by 1pm on the day before the world's greatest steeplechase, with the reserve taking the racecard position of the relevant non-runner. But following feedback received by Aintree Racecourse from many customers who found the system confusing, it will no longer be in place.
There have been 13 reserves to have a run in the Grand National over the years, most recently with three in last season's renewal. Commodore, School Boy Hours and Romain De Senam replaced Phoenix Way, Easysland and Lord Du Mesnil, who were taken out of the race on the Friday before. Romain De Senam finished 10th behind winner Noble Yeats, while Commodore was 12th with School Boy Hours pulled up early in the race.
