A MOVING forward of the start of the John Smith’s Grand National by 90 yards was one of the most significant changes announced by Aintree and the British Horseracing Authority.

Various amendments to the famous race were made in time for this year’s race, but the deaths of According To Pete and the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised created further unpleasant headlines for the sport.

With the start now moved further away from the crowds and grandstands, the distance of the race will be around four miles and three and a half furlongs, rather than four and a half miles.

Other changes include the ‘no-go’ zone being extended from 15 yards to around 30 yards from the starting tape, while the starter’s rostrum has been moved to a position between the tape and the ’nogo’ zone to reduce the potential for horses to go through the starting tape prematurely.

There will be a specific briefing between the starters’ team and the jockeys on the day, part of a concerted BHA effort to improve starts in National Hunt races.

They are also looking at measures to reduce the possibility of a riderless horse travelling an extended distance before being caught prior to the National start.

Jamie Stier, director of raceday operations and regulation for the BHA, said: ‘‘Following this year’s race, our priorities were to establish the facts surrounding the incidents that occurred during the running of the race and, secondly, to review the events which led to what was an unsatisfactory start to the race.

‘‘Our objective in recommending changes to the start is to identify ways in which we can create a calmer and more controlled environment for both horse and rider.”

Aintree and the BHA are to embark on a three-year programme looking at alternative fence designs on the National course.

The so-called ‘core’ of the fences are currently made up of timber and protective rubber padding, but some will be trialled with a different core at the meeting in December.

The fence heights will, however, remain unchanged.