Shropshire's John Hales backs Aintree changes
Grand National winning owner John Hales today backed the changes made at Aintree, insisting authorities could do no more to make the famous horse race safe.
Shropshire businessman Hales enjoyed a glorious day 12 months ago when his now-retired horse Neptune Collonges won the world's greatest steeplechase.
Two fatalities in 2011 prompted a major review into safety, with two more horse deaths last year resulting in changes to the course for Saturday's race.
Alterations made to the Aintree course include shortening the distance of the race from four-and-a-half miles to four miles and three-and-a-half furlongs.
They have also changed the core material used to build the fences from wood to a more forgiving, plastic material.
And Cosford-based Hales said:?"I believe Aintree have done everything they can to make it as safe as possible.
"But it has to be remembered it's a dangerous sport. Horses can break a leg just exercising on the gallops and you cannot eliminate all risk."
The British Horseracing Authority has also defended the Grand National, which has come under fire from animal welfare groups.
BHA director of raceday operations Jamie Stier said: "The fatalities of last year do not mean the changes made were inappropriate.
"People need to give an opportunity for the changes to bed in."
By Celia Holmes