“Start with halving the prize money.”
That would certainly help. Much of the Grand National’s malaise has been caused by making it worth too much money. It is now inevitably targeted by the larger stables with better quality horses.
Unfortunately, like many good ideas, there is no chance of it happening!
“The magic of the National has faded, but it hasn’t died for me.”
I am sorry to say it has died for me. The Grand National simply doesn’t exist now. The unique character and challenge of the race has gone. What we are left with is a dishonest parody, no longer worthy of the name.
I may even go to watch football instead on the day itself. I never thought it would reach that point but I can’t say I am particularly motivated to watch yet another Mullins or Elliott horse owned by a multimillionaire win, while the media still tries to pretend it is “The People’s Race”.
It is a pity because the rest of the Aintree meeting is now top class and the racecourse is a superb facility, in contrast to what it used to be like. The Thursday and Friday are two of the best days racing of the whole year, with the former being outstanding value.