Aintree thank-you letter shows error of National rider bans

Last Friday, 26 of this year's Randox Health Grand National jockeys were formally reprimanded by the BHA's disciplinary panel. Earlier in the week, and therefore in advance of the panel's inquiry, Aintree's senior management sent a letter of thanks to all who had ridden in the race.

The way in which the racecourse responded to the jockeys was by a long way the most appropriate.

It was, of course, disappointing the National field was not released at the first attempt, although with 40 horses contesting the most celebrated racing event of the year, false starts should never come as a huge surprise.