Handicapping system to be examined as BHA ponders response to Irish dominance

Britain's jumps handicapping system is to be examined for fairness and to establish whether it might be handing a systemic advantage to Irish runners, following extraordinary success for the visitors at last month's Cheltenham Festival and again at the Grand National meeting.

The move will be part of a reflective and painstaking response by officials, who, while keen to support British jump racing, privately stressed the need to avoid knee-jerk reactions to complex issues.

The result of the National in particular has provoked mixed feelings for many in the sport. While Rachael Blackmore's success has proved hugely popular and led to significant positive publicity, the sixth-placed Blaklion was the only one of 22 British-trained runners to finish in the first 11 home.