Why the Grand National 2024 start time is earlier this year and other race changes

Regular Grand National viewers and punters may be wondering why the iconic race is starting at a different time this year.

Traditionally the race, dubbed the most famous steeplechase in the world, gets underway at 5.15pm. However this year the start time has been brought forward by 75 minutes and instead the horses will set off at 4pm.

It is one of a number of changes that have been introduced at Aintree for 2024. Additional changes made include reducing the number of horses participating in the Grand National from 40 to 34 to lower the likelihood of incidents occurring during the race.

READ MORE: The major changes to the Grand National 2024 including new start time and field size

Additional changes made include reducing the number of horses participating in the Grand National from 40 to 34, moving the first fence 60 yards nearer to the start, lowering the height of the 11th fence and scrapping the parade of the field before the race.

All the new measures have been introduced following a review by The Jockey Club to ensure the safety and welfare of the horses and jockeys taking part in the race.

The review was carried out by Aintree’s owners the Jockey Club after protests disrupted last year’s race. The Grand National was delayed by 14 minutes after protesters who got onto the course.

Announcing the changes back in February, The Jockey Club said: "These reviews look at a wide range of factors and the learnings from the process drives a number of changes, large and small, annually. In October we announced that one of the changes being made from 2024 would involve bringing forward the start time of the race, which has been 5.15pm since 2016.

“This was a decision we took after a number of participants and other racing stakeholders raised concerns about the long build-up to the race throughout the day and heightened tension as a result. These were not issues which had been identified as a problem when the race was previously staged at 3.45pm and 4.15pm.

“Bringing forward the start time of the Randox Grand National by 75 minutes to 4pm will also help us to maintain optimal jumping ground, as warm or breezy conditions can dry out the racing surface."

The Randox Grand National starts at 4pm, with coverage on ITV from 12.55pm.