Poor Grand National turnout slammed by BHA handicapper as 'a continuation of British jump racing's demise'

The runners in the 2021 Randox Grand National at Aintree

Just 31 of the 85 Grand National entries are trained in BritainCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

BHA handicapper Martin Greenwood on Wednesday branded the alarming decline in Britain's Grand National challenge as a continuation of the decline of jump racing in the country.

Just 31 home-based entries featured in the initial list of 85 on Tuesday for the Randox-sponsored showpiece – a figure down from 54 in 2022 and 62 in 2021 – with Ireland responsible for the rest.

British trainers, including National winners Kim Bailey and David Pipe, pointed to the changing complexion of the Grand National in attracting a higher calibre of horse as a factor in the low turnout.

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Andrew DietzReporter

Published on 8 February 2023inGrand National festival

Last updated 19:25, 8 February 2023

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