BHA: National changes need time

British Horseracing Authority chief executive Paul Bittar has spoken of his belief that changes implemented since last year’s Grand National need time to be judged.

Australian Bittar, a recent incumbent to his position at the BHA, also expressed his sympathy to connections of Synchronised and According To Pete, who both suffered fatal injuries in Saturday’s Aintree marathon. This year’s National was the first run since a safety review into various elements, leading to a number of changes to fences and race conditions. The RSPCA urged further review, particularly into ‘drop’ fences like Becher’s Brook.

Bittar said: “At this stage, we believe it would be premature to suggest that modifications to the course and other changes have not been effective or will not yet prove to be effective.