Jockeys say thickness of fences behind high number of Haydock falls

The size did not matter but the way the Haydock fences were packed on Saturday contributed to the high number of falls. That was the view of professionals involved and Haydock is looking into changes before its next meeting in two weeks.

Out of 25 chase runners at Haydock six fell and one unseated, compared to the chases at the other three Saturday jump meetings in Britain and Ireland having two fallers and two unseats from 69 runners.

Harry Cobden, who finished fourth on Clan Des Obeaux in the Betfair Chase, said: "The fences were very big but that was not an issue; it was just the fact the top of the fences were tightly packed and horses flicking over them were turning over. Wincanton has got the same sized fences but they are not as stiff on the top.