The Grand National, UK’s most emblematic horse race, has instated new regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of equine participants and their riders for its next occurrence in April. Key changes encompass reducing the number of participating racers from the usual 40 to 34 and a slight reduction to the 11th hurdle, which will now be two inches shorter in height.
A worldwide phenomenon, the Grand National draws an audience of an estimated 600 million viewers from more than 140 countries globally. However, its global fame intertwines with controversy. Elements such as its distance, massive herd of horses, peculiar fence heights, and number of fences have made it a favourite amongst gamblers who thrive on unpredictability. Nevertheless, these are the same facets that have drawn criticism from animal rights advocates, who decry the race as perilous and severe.
This year’s event, conducted in April, was disrupted when activists infiltrated the venue by using ladders to clamber over security fences and instigated further chaos by gluing themselves to fences situated right on the track. Since vital modifications were made to the course following a safety review in 2012, a total of five fatalities have occurred from among the 395 participating horses in the ten Grand Nationals that have ensued.
Three horses lost their lives at the Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool during the three-day gathering this year, including during the Grand National itself. Unfortunately, the horse Hill Sixteen could not recover from the injuries incurred by a fall at the first fence of 30. With new findings indicating a rise in speed from 28mph to approximately 35mph to the first fence, this hurdle in the impending race will be relocated 60 yards nearer to the start line as part of the newly instituted reforms. This will be coupled with a standing start to the race and an earlier schedule in the day in order to maintain the ground softer and slower.
However, these changes have been met with varying responses. While several voices have commended their introduction, Animal Rising, the group that obstructed this year’s race, maintains that only the cessation of horse racing in the UK can guarantee total safety. For the traditionalists, these adaptations are leading to an erosion of a race virtually two centuries old.
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