NH CHASE CLIPPED
CHAMPION trainer Paul Nicholls has backed the series of changes which will be introduced to the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next March.
Last year only four of the 18 runners completed the course, with Ballyward falling fatally in the controversial four-mile contest that is restricted to amateur riders.
Four jockeys that rode in the race received bans for continuing when the stewards believed their mounts were exhausted.
The distance of the race has been reduced two furlongs from its usual four miles, but it still remains the longest race run at the Festival. Both the Gold Cup and Foxhunter Chase take place over an extended 3m2f.
Also, the number of fences jumped has been reduced from 25 to 23.
Nicholls, who has yet to win the NH Chase, said: “Balancing tradition and history with making the race safer was never going to be easy, but the changes that have been agreed seem sensible and, most importantly, the amateur status of the race has remained.
“If the new conditions mean that the race still retains its character, while hopefully making it safer for everyone who takes part, then that can only be a good thing.”
Further changes include stricter qualification for the jockeys. They must have had a minimum of 20 rides and partnered at least five winners. Runners will now require a minimum rating of 120, which brings it in line with the Grade One novice
chases at the meeting. The National Hunt Chase, now in its 159th year, is the oldest race run at the Festival and has a rich history.
The 2008 running was named after Peter O’Sullevan, in celebration of the legendary commentator’s 90th birthday. And Tiger Roll, the winner of the last two Grand Nationals, won the race in 2017. Cheltenham will replace one of the existing 28 races over the four days with a new Grade Two Mares’ Chase in 2021. The race to be axed has yet to be decided.
Ian Renton, regional director for Cheltenham, said: “Given the need to replace an existing race in 2021 in order to stage the mares’ chase, I’m sure there will be much debate as to which one this should be.”