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Grand National had to change to survive, says former winning jockey
Fitzgerald says the race has reduced risk by changing fences and cutting the field to 34 runners, but must keep adapting to survive.
- Former jockey Mick Fitzgerald says The Grand National must continue to evolve to survive. The 55-year-old Irishman noted that while the race is vastly different from his victory on Rough Quest, safety modifications ensure its future.
- Responding to animal welfare concerns, organizers implemented significant changes in recent years, including reducing the maximum number of runners from 40 to 34. These modifications shortened the run-up to the first fence and altered signature obstacles like Becher and Brook.
- Telling AFP that "times have changed," Fitzgerald compared these adaptations to anti-smoking regulations. He emphasized the necessity of these adjustments, stating, "One has to evolve or die."
- Despite the altered test, winning The Grand National remains a career-defining achievement. Fitzgerald believes the victor will occupy a status apart from rivals, succeeding where legends John Francome, Peter Scudamore, and Jonjo Neill fell short.
- Fitzgerald, a patron of a Liverpool children's hospital, views the event as a "reality check." He noted that seeing seriously ill children makes one realize galloping around a racecourse does not matter compared to what is truly important.
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Total News Sources23
Leaning Left0Leaning Right4Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Center
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
71% Center
C 71%
R 29%
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