The Grand National field size will be reduced to 34 runners (from 40) ahead some new changes made by the Jockey Club and Aintree ahead of the 2024 running, that will also see the first fence brought 60 yards closer to the start.
2024 Grand National Field Size Reduced To 34
The Grand National has always been at the forefront of British horse racing welfare issues with the world’s greatest steeplechase having the most media attention each year around the globe.
Including in April 2023, when the fixture was the target of animal rights protestors.
In the latest review of the race, the Jockey Club announced on Thursday (12th Oct) they would be reducing the Aintree Grand National field size to 34 for the 2024 running (from 40).
This change will mean six fewer horses will qualify for the 2024 Grand National and with the field size cut from 40 it will also make the race less congested and, in theory, safer.
Hill Sixteen Fatally Injured In 2023 Grand National
Last year the Sandy Thomson-trained Hill Sixteen was fatally injured after falling at the first fence, which was the third National in-a-row to have an equine fatality.
This latest move to shave six runners off the maximum Grand National field size has been done for safety reasons that will see less traffic problems and bunching for jockeys, plus potentially see less loose horses that can cause issues in-running to others over the gruelling 4m 2 1/2f trip.
Sulekha Varma (Aintree’s clerk of the course) told the Racing Post: “We know from research papers and internal analysis of jump races that there is a direct correlation between the number of runners and the risk of falling, unseating or being brought down. However, we also must consider that reducing the field size by too great a number could create a faster race and have an adverse impact in terms of safety.”
“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
Last year’s winning horse – Corach Rambler – was number 26 on the Grand National race card, so would have still raced. However, the 2021 winner Minella Times, who was number 35 that year, would have missed out – meaning female winning rider Rachael Blackmore would still be looking for her National win.
You can see below, the 2023 Grand National horses that would have missed out.
2023 Grand National Horses That Would Have Missed Out On The New 34-Runner Rule
If the new 34-runner rule was in place for the 2023 Grand National, then the big loser would have been the Paul John Gilligan-trained Born By The Sea, who was number 40 and finished 6th – beaten just 10 lengths at the line.
- Number 35: Our Power (11th)
- Number 36: Dunboyne (PU)
- Number 37: Francky Du Berlais (16th)
- Number 38: Fortescue (13th)
- Number 39: Back On The Lash (PU)
- Number 40: Born By The Sea (6th)
Other Grand National Changes For 2024 Big Race
In addition to the Grand National field size change, Aintree and the Jockey Club have also announced the first fence will be moved 60 yards closer to the start – the thinking here is to reduce the speed of the horses approaching the first fence.
There will also be changes to the inside running rail to help stop any loose horses, while fence 11 will be lowered in height by 2 inches and the landing side reduced.
The fences will also see foam and rubber toe boards added and the paddock walkways widened.
In addition, horses with jumping errors or a history of falls in their last 8 races will be assessed by a Grand National review panel to see if they are suitable for the race.
Ruby Walsh told the Racing Post “The first fence is also going to be closer, so when jockeys look up and see it they are more likely to be in a straight line and they should jump it before they track across the course. The effect of that should hopefully be to create less speed.
“The slower you go, the safer things are. Horses are competitive and will race each other but these changes should help to slow down both horse and rider.”
There are also suggestions of changing the Grand National 2024 race time from the 2023 5:15pm slot, but this is to be confirmed by the TV networks and the Jockey Club on a potential new start time.
2024 Grand National Betting Odds
See below the latest Grand National 2024 odds from Paddy Power, with the 2023 winner Corach Rambler heading 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: Corach Rambler Winning The 2023 Grand National
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