OpinionAnother View
premium

Aintree clerk of the course Sulekha Varma: why we decided to tweak the Grand National again

author image
Aintree clerk of the course
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 06:  Derek Fox riding One For Arthur clears the Canal Turn during the Randox Health Grand National Handicap Chase at Aintree Racecourse on April 06, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX**
Jockeys taking the inner line at the Canal Turn was one of the reasons for reducing the Grand National fieldCredit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

This is the best time of year for all of us at Aintree. We love all our fixtures but these three days are what we live for. It’s a chance for Liverpool to shine, not just Aintree.

This year, the Randox Grand National will be slightly different after a wide-ranging review last summer. It’s been a team effort across the sport that has included BHA officials, vets, jockeys, trainers, course inspectors and the Horse Welfare Board, of which I am a member, among others – and it was very much driven by data.

The most noticeable changes are a reduction in the number of runners from 40 to 34, the repositioning of the first fence 60 yards closer to the start, a standing start and the earlier off time of 4pm.

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock
  • Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
  • Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
  • Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
  • Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
  • Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
  • Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Subscribe

Already a subscriber?Log in

Published on inGrand National festival

Last updated

iconCopy