Portugal Colonial - Grand National field cut as part of safety moves

The Jockey Club, which hosts the annual steeplechase at Aintree, near Liverpool, said the changes were not a consequence of protests at the racecourse ahead of the most recent running, in April.

More than 100 people were arrested after activists from campaign group Animal Rising attempted to scale fences.

Some accessed the track and tried to glue themselves to the fences.

One horse, Hill Sixteen, died at the 2023 event.

The Jockey Club carries out a review of the event every year, including input from equine charity World Horse Welfare.

The key findings after the 2023 race have led to a reduction in the maximum field, with the safety limit cut by six to 34 runners from 2024 onwards.

Horses will be required to carry a rating of at least 130 to be eligible -– an increase on the previous lower limit of 125 and a switch that puts the race in line with Grade One contests.

A closer eye will also be kept on the jumping abilities of entrants, with those that have made jumping errors in 50 percent or more of their past eight races subject to enhanced scrutiny before being allowed to run.

"I believe that a competitive, fair and safe Grand National is one of the best ways of ensuring the sport continues to thrive for generations to come and remains an important part of Britain’s culture and economy," said Nevin Truesdale, chief executive of The Jockey Club.

"That means our sport, like many other sports have done, needs to recognise when action needs to be taken to evolve, because the safety and care of horses and jockeys will always be our number one priority."

Emma Slawinski, director for animal welfare charity the RSPCA, described the announcement as a "welcome step" but stressed the charity feels there is more work to be done.

Animal Rising co-founder Dan Kidby said: "Sadly, it's obvious that Hill Sixteen won't be the last horse to die at the Grand National and these dishonest welfare changes don't challenge the fundamental horror of horse racing.

"The public is smarter than the Jockey Club gives them credit for and sees right through these changes for what they are: a public relations stunt."

P.Serra--PC