The official distance of the Grand National has been reduced by a furlong after a new method of measuring racecourses was introduced.
A new system is being used after it was discovered that the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby had been run at the wrong distance for five years, and British Horseracing Authority director Jamie Stier is hopeful that the new method will benefit everyone associated with the sport.
Stier is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "This new methodology will improve the quality and quantity of data we provide our participants and the increased accuracy will be of benefit to trainers, jockeys, owners and betting customers."
It has been revealed that the BHA and the Racecourse Association will reclassify a significant number of tracks from June 1.
