The 2024 Grand National looks set for a new start time with Aintree and the Jockey Club announcing many changes to the world’s greatest steeplechase this week – these also included reducing the field size to 34 and bringing the first fence 60 yards closer to the start.
2024 Grand National Set For New Start Time
Over the years the Grand National start time has chopped and changed for various reasons.
The start time for the Grand National has been 5:15pm since 2016, but this is now under review with the Jockey Club and Aintree racecourse outlining in a flurry of changes to the race that the 2024 Grand National is likely to get a new off time.
The Jockey Club has confirmed the race will be brought forward from its current 5:15pm slot, which is the six race on the seven-race card.
This review was led by the Jockey Club’s North West Head Of Racing and Clerk Of The Course at Aintree – Sulekha Varma.
Sulekha Varma told the Racing Post “We considered the start time of the race, which was traditionally much earlier in the afternoon but changed to 5.15pm in 2016. While this has helped build excitement among the crowd throughout the afternoon, it has proved challenging in managing the ground.”
“Returning to an earlier race time was recommended by both the BHA Executive and Horse Welfare Board in their feedback.” The Grand National is broadcast on ITV and the Jockey Club is still in discussions with the network on the new start time.”
An earlier time was also recommended by the BHA Executive and Horse Welfare Board but have started that the NEW 2024 Grand National start time is still to be confirmed with ITV, who broadcast the race, and the Jockey Club to decide on the new time.
In addition to a proposed new start time, the 2024 Grand National will also have a reduced field size of 34, while the first fence will be 60 yards closer to the start.
“Our job is to make the race even safer and reduce risk even further.”
Announcing changes to the Randox Grand National from 2024 pic.twitter.com/UV7WHugbWP
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) October 12, 2023
RELATED: Grand National Field Size Reduced To 34 Runners In 2024 Aintree Shake-up
What Time Could The Grand National Change To?
When Rough Quest won the Grand National in 1996, the race had a start time of 3pm.
While before the most recent change in 2016, we saw the Oliver Sherwood-trained Many Clouds win the 2015 Grand National with a start time of 4:15pm.
Therefore, both these previous 3pm and 4:15pm slots could be considered for the new 2024 Grand National start time.
What Date Is The 2024 Grand National
The 2024 Grand National will be run on Saturday April 13th.
What Are The Pros and Cons For An Earlier Grand National Start Time?
Pros:
The ground easier to manage
Less time for the runners to be waiting around
Cons:
Less time for punters to bet on the race
Less build-up and hype towards the race
The races after the Grand National may get devalued
Grand National Betting Odds For 2024
Latest 2024 Grand National betting odds from Paddy Power, with the 2023 winner Corach Rambler topping the market.
- Corach Rambler 16/1
- Fastorslow 20/1
- Kittys Light 20/1
- Vanillier 20/1
- I Am Maximus 20/1
- Monbeg Genius 25/1
- Gaillard Du Mesnil 25/1
Note: Odds are subject to change and others on request
WATCH 2023 Grand National: Corach Rambler Gives Lucinda Russell Her Second National Win
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