For the first time in what seems like forever, all 40 runners of the Grand National came back safe and sound, with 17 also crossing the finishing line safely.
Dramatic changes were put in place for this years race after officials received backlash when last years race sadly claimed another horses life.
It was also reported that fewer falls were encountered during this years race which hopefully meant the redesigned and safer fences played their important role well.
In total only two horses fell throughout the whole race and only six jockeys were unseated. It was the first time in 166 runnings of the Grand National that the entire field was in contention up to the Canal Turn.
To find out my thoughts on the big race at Aintree click on the following link to view my column in the Boston Standard.
Is this the beginning of a new era for the Grand National? Only time will tell.
The Grand National - The good, the bad and the ugly!
Sian Lovatt
Saturday, April 06, 2013
Personally I think the field needs to be reduced dramatically, and the Canal Turn jump needs to be removed.
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't have an F1 race with 40 cars on the grid, what makes the Grand National (or any jump race for that matter) any different?
Those horses are the Ferraris and Lamborghinis of the horse world. Fast is dangerous. Fast and crowded is pretty darn lethal.
They don't need to ban it, but they should make significant changes. Reducing the size of the field would make a huge difference, and most likely raise the stakes to qualify for taking part. You really would get the best of the best racing each other.
This year they got lucky. No one (horse or rider) died.
Next year?
Who knows.