The number of runners is, IMO, the real issue as 40 horses charging at full tilt will only result in falls and interference. Rduce the maximum to 25 or 30 and see the result
A sensible post, in fact i wouLd reduce the number to twenty,all handicap races of 20 runners pay out on the first 4 places.Icannot remeber a handicap race of 20 runners over the jumps where a horse has had to be killed because of a broken leg, it is very rare
hardly any other races including other races at aintree,especially the topham chase which is a similiar race to the grand national have casualties.
the topham chase is 2m 5 furlong 110 yards and has only 26 runners, and no casualties.
Steve Shaw is uninformed in his comments and appears to know nothing about racing other than having an annual bet on the grand national.
The obvious step is to reduce the amount of runners,I would reduce it to 20 runners., and reduce the distance to 3 miles 7 furlongs.
Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase is a similiar race run at Cheltenham but is only 3 miles 7 furlongs, Fatalities are very rare.but it is still a great test of jumping ability.
The Grand national is a bit of red herring[ however it is a problem easily solved ,a much more serious problem are the abandoned horsest hat are left half starving all over the country