I wrote this on another forum – pretty much sums up where I am now on this:
In recent years, the fences have been modified – they are smaller though still intimidating but the drops have been eased so they are more inviting for the better horse.
The other big change has been the drainage of the track. On Tuesday, after heavy rain, it was reportedly soft but by Saturday it had dried to Good. Since 2001, most of the Nationals have been run on faster ground than previously. Is this due to climate change or simply better drainage?
So, you have the three elements – better horses running for a larger pot, modified fences that are smaller and more inviting and a course which drains well leading to faster ground enabling horses to gallop faster. Put the three together and it’s possible to see what has happened and why.
Some interesting points stodge but your assertion above that things have got worse in recent years totally contradicts what Paul Bittar said in his statement where he said things have never been better for the race in terms of injuries and fatalities.
He said "The decade since 2000 was the safest on record for the Grand National with a fatality rate of 1.5% compared to 3.3% at the start of the 90’s".
So in fact despite the unfortunate 2 fatalities this year and last and what some would have you believe. things of got better in recent years.
Of course it would be folly to have some knee jerk reaction to an odd year or two’s events.