The wrong change at the wrong time - Grand National alterations will leave its enemies emboldened
This one really hurts. Until now, it's not been that difficult for a fan to make peace with changes to the Grand National, even though the fences are not what they were and Becher's is no longer instantly recognisable to anyone who's seen the old pictures of Red Rum soaring over.
Until now, each year's race has still basically looked like the ones from the Pathe newsreels. But the essence of the National, and a huge reason for its unique status, is the involvement of lots of runners.
Forty has been the accepted figure. Forty to choose from, 40 people in every sweepstake, 40 gorgeous animals at the start, 40 stories about how they got there, 40 sets of connections hoping they're in the middle of a tale they'll be telling for the rest of their lives.
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
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inGrand National festival
Last updated
- 'I'd love to have a crack at the Grand National' - Flooring Porter team weigh up Aintree following Listowel heroics
- 'They had no chance and kept others out' - Davy Russell believes qualifying races for the Grand National should be introduced
- Bookmakers report Grand National turnover as 'flat' compared with last year
- 'It's a different feeling, it's unique, it's the Grand National' - Aintree hero I Am Maximus gets a huge homecoming welcome
- 'It's going to be hard to get off this high' - David Maxwell dreaming of Aintree return following Grand National sixth
- 'I'd love to have a crack at the Grand National' - Flooring Porter team weigh up Aintree following Listowel heroics
- 'They had no chance and kept others out' - Davy Russell believes qualifying races for the Grand National should be introduced
- Bookmakers report Grand National turnover as 'flat' compared with last year
- 'It's a different feeling, it's unique, it's the Grand National' - Aintree hero I Am Maximus gets a huge homecoming welcome
- 'It's going to be hard to get off this high' - David Maxwell dreaming of Aintree return following Grand National sixth