CAS- Very good points – I can fully accept the welfare driven fence modifications but the conditions need looking at. Between them,JP, Willie and Gordon had more than half the field – That certainly does take away the old romance element . Win and you’re in races or an owner limit of say 3-4 horses (more controversial)would certainly redress the balance. On current season form, horses like Lecky Watson and Perceval Legallois were running well below the handicap cut off point of 144 . No-hopers were a part of the old National and we have moved on from that, but other yards should get a look in , particularly those with in form chasers around the 140 mark.I’d have a balloting out stage around 4 weeks before, for horses who haven’t met a certain standard during the season .
