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.
Explaining why the reserves system will no longer be operated from 2023 onwards, Aintree’s clerk of the course Sulekha Varma, said: “We constantly monitor and review all aspects of the Randox Grand National. The reserves system was introduced with the aim of giving us the best possible chance of ensuring we have a maximum field of 40 runners.
“However, with the Randox Grand National being such a worldwide phenomenon there are associated demands of raceday data supply which are greater now than they were when the system was introduced. The system had to operate by reserves taking the racecard position of the relevant non-runner.
“This had the effect of reserves, which by definition are the lowest-rated horses in the race, appearing further up the handicap in the racecard even though they were carrying the least weight, which made the production of racecards and return of results extremely challenging for a number of outlets. This issue was raised following the running of three reserves in the 2022 race by the BHA, media outlets, international media rights holders and bookmakers.”
