Future of Grand National uncertain?

THE future of the Grand National has sparked a debate amongst the horse-racing industry insiders. A meeting took place today between the British Horseracing Authority’s chief executive, Paul Bittar and the World Horse Welfare’s Roly Owers. It comes in light of two equine deaths for the second year running. This sparked a lot of criticism with animal welfare groups calling for the race to be banned.

However, Mansfield MP, Labour’s Sir Alan Meale, tabled an early-day motion recently supporting the race.

The motion “considers this annual contest to be an important part of racing sporting endeavour and recognises its place in British history since its first running in 1839”, and while further safety changes may be needed hopes, “every effort is made to maintain the essence of what makes the Grand National the most popular horse race in the UK calendar”.

The Guardian reported: “When the race’s critics cite public outrage as a reason for change, the BHA can point to 11 million TV viewers and a sell-out crowd of 70,000 at the track, despite the concerns raised by last year’s race. Those who would shut down the National have no comparable numbers on their side. The BHA report “about 100 emails” of complaint after this year’s race, a similar number to last year.”

It has been reported that perhaps the size of the field should be downgraded…however, if the amount of runners are cut down, it could lose the spark and zest it normally builds up year after year.