How they plan to cut the death toll

Radical changes have

been made to the

racecourse to ensure

there is no repeat of

last year’s tragedy,

when 11 horses died at

the Festival.

The fourth last fence on

the New Course — a

downhill obstacle

which has brought

down many runners —

has been moved 20

yards closer to the top

of the hill, which means

there is no drop on the

landing side and horses

will not be going so fast

as they jump it.

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The maximum field for

handicap hurdles has

been reduced from 30

to 28, while the National

Hunt Chase, over four

miles for amateur

riders, has been

reduced from 24 to 20.

There is also a new

minimum ability rating

for horses in Grade One

races, which has

stopped weaker horses

contesting

championship events.

Simon Claisse, clerk of

the course, said: "Any

horse who has not

raced for 250 days, has

suffered an injury on its

last appearance or has

already run at the

meeting will be subject

to a special inspection.

"There is also more

virgin ground this year,

which should help."