The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today announced that the pre-race examination and trot-up that horses entered in the Foxhunter, Topham and the Grand National Steeple Chases have previously undergone, will this year be extended to all runners in all races at The Randox Health Grand National Festival 2019.

The pre-race checks include a detailed veterinary assessment and trot-ups for every horse on the morning of their race. This is designed to be the last stage in a process which is intended to identify well in advance of the meeting any horses which might have veterinary issues.

Trainers who have a horse which may be described as a “poor mover” or which has an “asymmetrical gait” have been requested to identify these horses to the BHA in the coming days. This will enable the horse to be examined and observed, and will allow any abnormalities to be noted in conjunction with the trainer and his stable veterinarian, before the raceday examinations occur.

In addition, trainers of horses competing in races over the Grand National fences are required to submit to the BHA Medication Declaration Forms covering the 45-day period prior to the day of the race.

Full details of these measures are being communicated directly to trainers.

This action has been taken at the request of Aintree racecourse and BHA is grateful to Aintree for taking this step. It is also grateful to trainers for their help and cooperation in this process in the build-up to and during the Cheltenham Festival. The BHA worked in liaison and partnership with a number of trainers prior to the event to try to avoid any situations whereby a horse needed to be withdrawn on raceday, and we look forward to working with trainers on the same process ahead of Aintree.process ahead of Aintree.