Organisers have denied that the changes are to do with protests at last year’s race, at which Animal Rising activists invaded the course.
“We undertake a review after every Grand National and constantly make changes as a result of this evidence-based process, which is all part of our relentless focus on putting the care and safety of our horses and jockeys above all else,” a spokesperson said last year.
Animal Rising have ruled out a similar protest at this year’s meet – but believe that their action triggered the changes.
“Last year the British public saw through the myths of the horse racing industry as a spotlight was put onto the Grand National. It’s plain to see that 2023 was the beginning of the end for horse racing,” said Ben Newman, one of the organisation’s co-founders.
“All that remains to be done is for the Jockey Club to continue to dig the industry’s grave by continuing to force horses to – tragically – race to their deaths.”
PETA echoed this concern, with vice president of programmes Elisa Allen calling for an outright ban.
“Any measures that make the race less perilous are welcome and long overdue, but these changes do nothing to mitigate many of the big issues with the horse racing industry – including that there is no retirement plan for horses and thousands of them are sent to abattoirs every year once they’re no longer profitable,” she said.
Some 63 horses have died from injuries sustained at the Grand National meeting since 2000. Around 200 horses die on British racecourses every year.
Emma Judd, head of campaigns at the League Against Cruel Sports, said that the new rules do not go far enough, calling for whips to be banned and for the introduction of a new racing watchdog.
“The shocking number of deaths at the Grand National Festival begs the question as to whether the current horse racing authorities have their house in order when it comes to safety of horses and their jockeys,” she said.
“A new independent regulatory body with horse welfare as its number one priority needs to be created. Horses are being sacrificed for people’s entertainment and gambling, and one death is one too many.”
YouGov’s current figures on horse racing show that around 47% of Brits disapprove of horse racing, while around 23% approve.
A one-time racing fan himself, Stansall says he understands the appeal – but that the cruelty means it’s “not worth it.”
“When you’re there with your friends, and you’re drinking your drinks, and having a meal, and the sun is shining, and the horses flash past you, it all seems quite innocent and enjoyable,” he says.
“But the reality is far from that. If the horse falls and is fatally injured, people don’t see behind those green screens that go up on a racecourse, where a horse is injected or shot. That’s what made me change my mind about racing.”
