RSPCA plea to Grand National jockeys

11:27am Wednesday 2nd April 2008

The RSPCA is encouraging jockeys to pace themselves and their horses at the start of the challenging Grand National.

With more than four miles and 30 fences to jump, a great deal is asked of the horses. A steady approach to the first fence will allow each horse to settle and gain the confidence needed to prepare for the next 29 and safely reach the finish line.

RSPCA equine consultant David Muir said: "The Grand National is without doubt the most testing jump race in the world and as such will always be of concern to the RSPCA.

"Jockeys and trainers need to remember that these horses face a long and difficult challenge. It's essential they give plenty of thought to their speed at the start of the race. The more tired a horse is, the more likely it is to make a mistake at a fence - and that's when tragedies can happen.

"The Society closely monitors the event to see what can be done to improve animal welfare. Thanks to positive dialogue with the managers of the Aintree course and also the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), much has been done to make things better for horses in recent years. We will continue to look for areas where things can be further improved."

Positive safety improvements the RSPCA has been involved with at Aintree include:

• the introduction of more bracketed hurdles.

• more forgiving chase fences which are rounded, more inviting and have a clear toe bar, making it easier for the horse and jockey to sight the approaching take off zone.

• improvements to Becher's Brook, which now has a higher landing zone and a rubberised area over the ditch to help prevent injury.

• a safer approach to Canal Turn by the re-positioning of the running rails to encourage jockeys to use more of the fence and creating more individual space for the horse to jump rather than bunching.

• The provision of going no faster than good.

Other positive improvements include rubberised walkways to prevent horses slipping and new watering' facilities where horses are cooled down after races.

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