The new Grand National rules are confusing me. You now have to "finish in the top 4 in a steeplechase over 3 miles or more".
So can you finish 4th in a 4 runner race or does it mean placed in a 16 runner handicap?
When do you have to finish 4th by? Time of entries? Time of weights published? Final decs?
The reason why I ask is I fancy Little Josh to run a big race in the National if it is entitled to run. Currently it hasn't been palced over 3 miles over fences.
Jockeys must now have won a minimum of fifteen races, including ten in steeplechases.
The minimum official rating for horses running in the National has been raised to 120 from 110, which increases, albeit modestly, the quality of the worst horses running.
The minimum age of horses allowed to compete has been raised from six years old to seven.
All horses taking part must have been placed fourth or better in a steeplechase over at least three miles.
The drop at Becher's Brook has been reduced.The height of two fences has been lowered.Jockeys must now have won a minimum of fifteen races, including ten in steeplechases.The minimum official rating for horses running in the National has been raised
Which is almost the criteria of MANY years ago whereby a horse could be placed in first 4 in any steeplechase over the Aintree course, as has been pointed out 4th in a 2 mile selling 'chase with only 4 runners, and in those days they could re-mount.
Which is almost the criteria of MANY years ago whereby a horse could be placed in first 4 in any steeplechase over the Aintree course, as has been pointed out 4th in a 2 mile selling 'chase with only 4 runners, and in those days they could re-mount.