Ted Walsh: Grand National changes the next step in abolition of jump racing

Grand National-winning trainer Ted Walsh says today’s changes to Aintree’s flagship race are just the next step towards abolishing steeplechase racing.

Racing’s most famous competition will be reduced from 40 to 34 from next year as part of a focus on horse welfare.

Other safety changes include moving the first obstacle 60 meters closer to the start and implementing a standing start, while changes to the alignment of the running rail inside the course will make it easier to catch early release of horses and will reduce fence 11 by two. inches.

Grand National runner Hill Sixteen died following an injury during this year’s race, sparking criticism from animal rights campaigners Animal Aid. The race was also targeted by protesters from the group Animal Rising, some of whom entered the track and caused a delay. the start time.

The Jockey Club, which runs Aintree Racecourse, has announced a series of changes, backed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), as part of the “continuing evolution” of racing.

But Irish trainer Walsh, who won the race in 2001 with Papillon, criticized the decision, describing it as another step towards the abolition of steeplechase racing in the UK.

“It’s just a continuation of what’s happened in England over the last 20 years,” Walsh said. Air sports races.

“Animal protection groups are gaining momentum and the Jockey Club is gradually giving in and falling behind.

“They have to appease these people to allow a race like the Grand National to continue, but it is what it is and it is another step towards the abolition of steeplechase racing as we know it.

“I competed in the Grand National once and didn’t get that far. When I was young, it was an achievement to compete in the National and an even bigger feat to compete in the National.

“If your horse somehow adapts to show jumping now, you’ll get through it. It used to be a bit special, but now I don’t think it is.

Racing has to change with them, otherwise it will disappear completely.

“Horse racing is a dangerous sport for jockeys and participants and this was exciting and part of the attraction.

“Around the world the National is a famous race and other jurisdictions have tried to copy it, everyone had a National.

“But they all tried to take the name of the big race that it was, but it’s not such an elusive race anymore.

“Like many things in the world, things have changed and racing must change with it, otherwise it will disappear completely.”

Sulekha Varma, Head of Racing at the North West Jockey Club and Racing Director at Aintree, led the review process and said: “The welfare of our racehorses and jockeys is our number one priority at Aintree and we have invested significantly in equine welfare over recent years. many years.

“We continually review the Grand National and, following a thorough, evidence-based review process this year, we are announcing several changes as part of its continued evolution.”

Addressing the reduction in peloton size, Varma added: “We know from research papers and internal analyzes of obstacle races that there is a direct correlation between the number of runners and the risk of falling, of overturning or being knocked over.

“However, we must also consider that reducing the peloton too much could create a faster race and have a negative impact in terms of safety.”