'I thought it was pretty ominous for the opposition' - Tom Segal on the changes to the Grand National
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What was the first thing that crossed your mind when you heard about the changes to the Grand National last week? For me it wasn't that the reduction in the field size was going to necessarily make things safer, although by the law of averages the fewer runners there are the less likely fatalities should be.
It certainly wasn't that a standing start or a shorter run to the first fence was going to help that much either. It's all window dressing really because there are obvious risks in jump racing that can never be eradicated.
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Published on inTom Segal
Last updated
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- The domination of Ireland's big three is no good for jump racing - and the Christmas entries suggest things are getting worse
- Last season's novice hurdlers weren't a great bunch - and this Cheltenham winner is no value for a March repeat
- Last season's novices look a stellar bunch - the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup now has all the hallmarks of a potential classic
- The King George is turning from a Christmas cracker into a humbug affair - but this horse would be perfect for Kempton
- Al Dancer proved front-runners can gain a big advantage in staying chases - but everything changes on testing ground