As the excitement builds for the 2024 Grand National at Aintree on April 13, all eyes are on the Jockey Club, which has invested over £2 million to enhance horse welfare at this iconic event over the last ten years.

In October, they unveiled a comprehensive set of changes aimed at improving safety, optimising race conditions, and ensuring the well-being of the horses involved.

So as the prestigious steeplechase approaches and punters eagerly scour the 2024 Grand National odds, let’s delve into the five major sets of alterations:

1. Reducing the risk of incidents during the race

To mitigate the risk of incidents, the maximum number of runners has been reduced from 40 to 34.

This adjustment, based on insights from independent papers and internal analysis by The Jockey Club, acknowledges the correlation between the number of runners and the risk of falling.

• Reducing the speed at the start

To curb the opportunity for horses to build up excessive speed at the start, the first fence has been brought 60 yards closer to the starting line.

Additionally, a standing start will be implemented for all races over the Grand National fences, aiming to slow down the early stages of the race.

These changes are backed by research showing an increase in average speed approaching the first fence over the past decade.

• Creating an optimal environment for horses

Aintree is set to adjust the race’s start time to ensure optimal ground conditions, considering the course’s tendency to dry out quickly on breezy, sunny April afternoons.

Further discussions with ITV confirmed the final start time to be 16:00, moving the Grand National forward by over an hour from its original 17:15 off time.

In a move to prioritise the well-being of the horses, they will no longer be led by a handler during the pre-Grand National parade — allowing them to canter in front of the grandstands at their own pace.

• Improvement to infrastructures at Aintree

Investments in infrastructure changes include alterations to the alignment of the running rail, reducing the height of Fence 11, introducing foam and rubber toe boards on every fence, and widening the walkways in the paddock.

These modifications aim to enhance safety measures and improve the overall course conditions.

• Ensuring horses are in prime condition

The Jockey Club is committed to enhancing pre-race veterinary protocols in collaboration with the BHA (British Horse Racing Authority).

Additionally, the minimum handicap rating for all Grand National participants has been raised to 130 — aligning it with Grade 1 races.

The Grand National Review Panel will intensify its scrutiny of horses with jumping errors in their recent races, ensuring that only those in optimal condition compete.

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These comprehensive changes underscore The Jockey Club’s dedication to elevating horse welfare standards while maintaining the Grand National’s esteemed legacy as one of the world’s premier horse racing events.

As the countdown to April 13 begins, and last year’s winner Corach Rambler leads the horse betting following an admirable third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, anticipation mounts for an exciting and safer race day at Aintree.