Welsh National to be run over longer trip to avoid first bend 'cavalry charge'

Welsh National: will be staged over 3m6f 130 yardsCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Coral Welsh Grand National, one of the most challenging tests of the jumps season, is set to become even more demanding with an extra furlong added to the historic Chepstow handicap.

The move, which has been made to improve the safety of runners by lengthening the run to the first bend, will also mean an extra fence will be jumped, with 23 obstacles now to negotiate when the contestants line up on December 27.

The starting point has been moved from just before the winning post to between the second and last fence on the home straight, meaning the distance has been raised from 3m5f 110 yards to 3m6f 130 yards.

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James StevensWest Country correspondent

Published on 27 October 2019inNews

Last updated 17:37, 27 October 2019

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