Premier Information; Post Grand National Summary

We're back again! Last week we gave a bit of a brief history on the race, this week I thought why not a post-race story too?

Six hundred million people worldwide watched the Grand National.   That is a staggering amount and I had no idea the race was so popular in other parts of the world.

There have been calls for the race to be made safer and the BHA responded to those criticisms and has worked hard to improve things.    Therefore it was good to see that Saturday’s race was not only a great spectacle and good for racing – but it  was also safe for both horse and jockey.  

Below, is an article I have reproduced, courtesy of the Racing Post, which explains more about why Saturdays race was a success for all concerned.
____________________________

The modifications made to the John Smith's Grand National were hailed as a success by the course, the jockeys competing in the race and the RSPCA, as all 40 horses and riders returned unscathed.

In a race where only two horses fell, and 33 were still in contention entering the second circuit of the marathon 4m3½f trip, the new measures appeared to play a significant part in increasing the safety and welfare of the horses and jockeys.

Chief among those was the replacement of the previously wooden core of the fences with a more forgiving plastic centre. Jockeys felt the fences rode easier, while still presenting a challenge to their mount's jumping abilities.

This was reflected in that for the first time in 166 runnings of the race, the entire field was still going up to the Canal Turn (fence eight).

John Baker, Aintree and north west regional director for Jockey Club Racecourses, said: "Far fewer fallers were recorded in the 2013 John Smith's Grand National, as with the other races over the Grand National Course during the meeting. The new construction of the fences appeared to play a significant part in the spectacle and we also need to recognise the part the jockeys have played right from the off. British racing should be tremendously proud of their contribution."

Barry Geraghty was among the jockeys to praise the new style fences. Geraghty was aboard Roberto Goldback, who was hampered and fell at the 30th fence. He said: "The fences rode brilliantly. There weren't as many fallers and I would say the fences are a little bit more forgiving.

"You'd make a bad mistake without turning over but the course was in great shape and it was a great race to ride in."

The RSPCA's equine consultant David Muir, who has worked closely with Aintree to identify the areas that needed changing, including the modifying of fences, plus moving the start further away from the stands, was also pleased with Saturday's outcome.

He said: "I was in tears. We've put so much work into this and what's happened today is what I wanted to see. Even when the horses were tired they were jumping the fences. The Grand is back in the Grand National!
____________________________


Needless to say, it was a fine weekend for ourselves at Premier Information and we hope it was a fine weekend for you too!

Are you following us on Twitter yet? If not - Why not?! Twitter.com/Premierinfouk