There will be mixed opinions this week regarding the introduction of new regulations for the 2012 Aintree Grand National. One of the main alterations is an imposed age restriction on horses eligible to run in the race. The new age restriction will eliminate horses aged 6 or under from competing in the toughest most grueling horse race in the world. Horses must have a National Hunt Chase rating of 120 or more to qualify and proof of race form in 4 chases over three miles. As a National Hunt enthusiast and Amateur jockey I feel these are positive changes that will put in place a greater safety measure for all parties involved.
The National has always generated speculation from animal welfare activists regarding horse welfare. Last year a dark shadow loomed over the meeting with two horses being killed in the race. According to Animal Aid there has been 20 equine fatalities since 2000 in the big race. The National has been the subject of several safety-inspired revisions over the past quarter of a century. With the pressure rising from animal welfare groups and racing fans to make the race safer for equine athletes the BHA have had no choice but to make the necessary adjustments.
Some people believe that amateur riders should not be eligible to participate in this event as they lack experience. I feel it is quite harsh to place judgement on all amateur jockeys as many of them ride in point to points regularly and have plenty of experience guiding young National Hunt horses over fences. Unfortunately the new rules implemented by the BHA disqualify amateur jockeys with under 16 chase wins from participating in the race. It is fair to say that fences need to be jumped with accuracy and there is no room for error from horse or rider. However the amateur riders have always displayed superb skill in the Foxhunters Chase (The amateur equivalent to The Grand National).
BHA chairman Paul Roy said: “The Grand National is one of Britain’s great sporting institutions. It is a unique event watched by many tens of thousands at Aintree and tens of millions of people around the world.”
Perhaps these new rules and regulations will satisfy the animal welfare groups and racing fans for now but there will always be casualties in such a high risk sport regardless of safety measures.
The BHA wants to instill a new confidence in the public by enhancing the safety and welfare of participants but is it right to make too many alterations to the most supreme sporting test for jockeys and horses in the world.
Some will say this is a positive outcome for the race and some will disagree and wonder are we running the risk of losing the Grand Nationals true identity forever???
leelynch86 