Remember in 2024 when the powers that be decided to reduce the Grand National field to just 34 runners?
Turns out they really hadn’t thought it through very well and that, in conjunction with having no reserve system, when last minute withdrawals occurred (as they usually do), only 32 horses ran in the race.
It was disappointing, to say the least, and something about the magic of the National was lost with such a drop in runners.
Fast forward a year, and everybody has had a bit of a rethink. The Jockey Club has announced the return of reserves, aiming to increase the likelihood of a full field for the iconic race.
Reserves were previously discontinued two years ago due to technical challenges. Specifically, reserves had to adopt the racecard position of the withdrawn runner they replaced, as the system couldn’t accommodate numbers above 40.
In 2022, three reserves competed but were listed higher on the handicap despite carrying the lowest weight. This caused complications in producing racecards and results, an issue flagged by the BHA, media, and bookmakers.
With the smaller field size, this problem has been resolved. Reserves will now be numbered 35 to 38 and will appear correctly at the bottom of the racecard.
The Impact of Reserves
To be fair to The Jockey Club, despite all the hoopla around the reduced field in 2024, the reserve system wouldn’t have made any difference.
Only horses that are declared non-runners up to 1pm on the day before the National can be replaced by reserves.
Last year, the two who were withdrawn, Chambard and Run Wild Fred, were taken out on the morning of the race, so the reserve deadline had already passed.
Likewise, in 2023, when Escaria Ten was withdrawn due to lameness, the race proceeded with 39 runners.
Reserve horses function as substitutes that can be called up to run in the Grand National when other horses are withdrawn.
For some, it is a long waiting game if they are on the cusp of making the cut but still need one or two above them to get pulled.
Often, though, it is completely out of their hands as to whether or not their horse makes the cut.
Why Are Horses Withdrawn From The National?
Horses can be withdrawn from the Grand National for several interconnected reasons.
On the run-up to the race, trainers often make strategic withdrawal decisions based on various factors, including the possibility of running in alternative races, concerns about assigned handicap weights, or the need to preserve their horse for future competitions.
This complex decision-making process has been particularly significant in recent years, as the absence of a reserve system in 2023-2024 meant that withdrawn horses could not be replaced, resulting in smaller field sizes.
Performance and safety standards also play a crucial role, with horses being withdrawn if they demonstrate a pattern of jumping errors in half or more of their previous eight races or if they fail to meet the minimum handicap rating of 130.
It should be noted, though, that if the horse hasn’t run in enough races or hasn’t reached the minimum rating, they are disqualified much earlier in the proceedings and, as such, would never make it to race day.
By the time we get to Grand National day, lameness is one of the most common medical issues leading to withdrawal, as evidenced in 2024 when both Chambard and Run Wild Fred were pulled from the race after morning veterinary checks.
The race enforces rigorous veterinary protocols, requiring horses to undergo multiple examinations.
Veterinary teams have the authority to withdraw any horse deemed unfit to race, a decision that occasionally sparks controversy with owners.
However, despite this, the horse’s welfare is always the top priority, and if the Vet says they cannot run, then they cannot run.
Strategic Withdrawals
When it comes to the Grand National, strategic withdrawals aren’t as big a factor as, say, the Cheltenham Festival.
Sure, there have been times when trainers have hedged their bets and entered the same horse into multiple Aintree Festival handicap races.
If a horse is given a more favourable weight in a different race, and with a smaller field of runners, the trainer may think they have a better chance of winning if they switch.
Strategic withdrawals represent a crucial element of race management that significantly impacts a trainer’s overall approach to horse racing.
They must carefully balance multiple factors when making these difficult decisions.
They assess their horse’s fitness levels, recent performance, and potential for success against the risk of injury or poor performance.
Ground conditions also play a vital role in withdrawal decisions. Trainers often withdraw horses if they believe the going is unsuitable, prioritising the horse’s well-being and future racing prospects over immediate racing opportunities.
This is particularly relevant for prestigious races where the stakes are higher.
Different Strategies for Different Festivals
When it comes to Cheltenham, the process is a little more chaotic as one horse may qualify and be suited to two or three different races.
Entries are made so far in advance that connections will have absolutely no way of telling how everything will pan out.
By entering a horse into multiple races, trainers can evaluate which one provides their horse with the optimal chance of winning.
They can carefully assess the likely competition in each race and ultimately place their horses where they have the highest probability of success.
The Gold Cup in 2025 is an excellent example. The entries are down to just 19 this year simply because nobody wants to take on Galopin Des Champs.
In 2023 there were 13 runners when he first won. That dropped to 11 runners in 2024 when he won for a second time.
And now, many are speculating there may only be 8 or 9 runners in this year’s race as he bids for a third consecutive victory.
It’s not ideal, but it’s easy to see why trainers are opting to run their horses in alternative races.
The financial aspects of multiple entries are carefully considered within this strategy. While each entry requires a monetary commitment, indicating serious intent, trainers must balance these costs against the potential prize money opportunities.
The substantial purses available at Cheltenham make multiple entries a worthwhile investment despite the initial outlay.
A prime example of this strategy can be seen with Banbridge in 2025, who holds entries in three prestigious races: the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Ryanair Chase, and the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
This triple entry gives connections maximum flexibility to make their final decision based on various factors, including ground conditions and the competitive landscape.
And who can blame them? There’s a lot of money to be won, so picking the right race is crucial.
Back to the Grand National
The reality is that the Grand National rarely suffers from the problems of late strategic withdrawals.
Entries are made at the end of January, and everybody has plenty of time to weigh up the competition and measure what they are potentially up against.
There are stages throughout the process when a horse can be taken out of contention with no penalty, and largely, horses are entered because connections really want them to run in the race.
The good news is that with the reserve system reinstated for 2025, even more will have the chance to make the cut.
BETFRED
