The Grand National is a renowned and iconic annual horse race that takes place at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. It is run over the Grand National Course, a 4-mile (6.4 km) long course with 30 fences. It is considered one of the most difficult and challenging steeplechase races in the world. Throughout its history, the race has been the subject of much controversy, particularly regarding the number of horses that have died in the competition.
Overview of the Grand National
The first Grand National was held in 1839 and has since become a major event on the British sporting calendar. It is the most watched horse race in the United Kingdom, with an estimated 600 to 700 million people tuning in to watch the race each year. The Grand National is the highlight of the three-day Grand National Festival, which also includes the Aintree Hurdle and the Foxhunters’ Chase.
Potential Dangers of the Grand National
The Grand National is a notoriously difficult race, and it is this difficulty that has long been the subject of both criticism and controversy. The race features 30 fences that are larger and more treacherous than those of any other steeplechase. This makes the race particularly dangerous for the horses, and in the past, the number of horse fatalities has been a major concern.
Number of Horse Deaths in the Grand National
Since the first Grand National in 1839, there have been many dead horses in the race. While in recent years the number of fatalities has decreased significantly, the Grand National still has a higher rate of horse deaths than any other steeplechase race.
1839-1919
From 1839 to 1919, there were a total of 77 horse fatalities in the Grand National. During this period, the average number of deaths per year was 7.7. The highest number of fatalities in a single year was in 1889, when 13 horses died in the race.
1920-1939
From 1920 to 1939, there were a total of 28 horse fatalities in the Grand National. During this period, the average number of deaths per year was 2.8. The highest number of fatalities in a single year was in 1927, when 5 horses died in the race.
1940-1959
From 1940 to 1959, there were a total of 10 horse fatalities in the Grand National. During this period, the average number of deaths per year was 1.0. The highest number of fatalities in a single year was in 1945, when 3 horses died in the race.
1960-1979
From 1960 to 1979, there were a total of 5 horse fatalities in the Grand National. During this period, the average number of deaths per year was 0.5. The highest number of fatalities in a single year was in 1966, when 2 horses died in the race.
1980-1999
From 1980 to 1999, there were a total of 5 horse fatalities in the Grand National. During this period, the average number of deaths per year was 0.5. The highest number of fatalities in a single year was in 1993, when 2 horses died in the race.
2000-2019
From 2000 to 2019, there were a total of 4 horse fatalities in the Grand National. During this period, the average number of deaths per year was 0.4. The highest number of fatalities in a single year was in 2012, when 2 horses died in the race.
Measures Taken to Reduce Horse Fatalities
In recent years, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has taken a number of measures to reduce the number of horse fatalities in the Grand National. These measures include:
- Reducing the number of runners in the race from 40 to a maximum of 40;
- Increasing the width of the fences;
- Reducing the height of the fences;
- Replacing poles with plastic wings;
- Improving the safety of the course;
- Installing shock-absorbing surfaces;
- Improving veterinary care;
- Providing better rider training;
- Implementing a stricter vetting procedure; and
- Introducing pre-race inspections.
Conclusion
The Grand National is one of the most iconic and challenging horse races in the world. While it has long been the subject of controversy, in recent years the British Horseracing Authority has taken a number of measures to reduce the number of horse fatalities in the race. While it is impossible to eliminate the risk of fatalities altogether, these measures have helped to significantly reduce the number of dead horses in the Grand National.