Why the Grand National 2024 start time is earlier this year and other race changes
manchestereveningnews.co.ukRegular Grand National viewers and punters may be wondering why the iconic race is starting at a different time this year. Traditionally the race, dubbed the most famous steeplechase in the world, gets underway at 5.15pm.
However this year the start time has been brought forward by 75 minutes and instead the horses will set off at 4pm. It is one of a number of changes that have been introduced at Aintree for 2024.
Additional changes made include reducing the number of horses participating in the Grand National from 40 to 34 to lower the likelihood of incidents occurring during the race. READ MORE: The major changes to the Grand National 2024 including new start time and field size Additional changes made include reducing the number of horses participating in the Grand National from 40 to 34, moving the first fence 60 yards nearer to the start, lowering the height of the 11th fence and scrapping the parade of the field before the race.
All the new measures have been introduced following a review by The Jockey Club to ensure the safety and welfare of the horses and jockeys taking part in the race.
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