Moving of start among Grand National amendments

A moving forward of the start of the John Smith’s Grand National by 90 yards was one of the most significant changes announced by Aintree and the British Horseracing Authority.

Various amendments to Britain’s most famous race were made in time for this year’s race, but the deaths of According To Pete and the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised created further unpleasant headlines for the sport.

With the start now moved further away from the crowds and grandstands, the distance of the race will be around four miles and three and a half furlongs, rather than four and a half miles.