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Reserves allowed back into the Grand National after a two-year absence

Kitty's Light (red sleeves) chases home I Am Maximus in the Randox Grand National
Reserves have been reintroduced for the Grand NationalCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The Jockey Club has acted to boost the chances of a maximum field for the Randox Grand National by reintroducing reserves for the £1 million race.

They are being brought back partly as a knock-on effect of the reduction in the safety limit at Aintree from 40 to 34.

One reason they were ditched two years ago was that reserves had to take the racecard position of the declared runner they replaced, as the technology could not cope with horses numbered higher than 40.

The three reserves who ran in 2022 appeared further up the handicap although they were carrying the least weight, which made the production of racecards and return of results challenging for a number of outlets and was an issue raised afterwards by the BHA, media and bookmakers.

However, the reduced field size has solved that problem as reserves will run as numbers 35 to 38 and appear in their rightful place at the bottom of the card.

The Jockey Club acknowledged there was a desire from some to allow reserves and maximise their chance of running. Head of racing Jon Pullin said: "We consistently monitor and evaluate every aspect of the Randox Grand National Festival to ensure its continued success. After review, we have decided to reintroduce the reserves system for the Randox Grand National from 2025.

Clerk of the course Jon Pullin at Cheltenham Racecourse on November 15, 2024
Jon Pullin: "We consistently monitor and evaluate every aspect of the Randox Grand National Festival to ensure its continued success"Credit: Alan Crowhurst

“In 2023 we announced several changes to the race, one of which being the reduction of field size from 40 to 34. As a result of this, some complications once faced around accommodating runners numbered beyond 40 are no longer so much of an issue."

As previously, the deadline for non-runners to be replaced by reserves will be 1pm on the day before the National.

Had the system been in place last year, it would have made no difference to the final field as Run Wild Fred and Chambard were withdrawn on the morning of the race.


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