THE Grand National course still presents the kind of hazardous challenge for horses.

Despite Aintree’s most recent safety improvements, six horses were killed during the 2016 threeday Aintree meeting.

The Grand National race itself features a field of 40 horses, who confront 30 jumps, many of which are extraordinarily demanding and treacherous, over a gruelling distance of nearly four-and-a-half miles.

Fewer than half complete the course.

Rather than having a ‘flutter’ on the notorious Aintree race, you can donate the money to a specialist horse sanctuary and make a real difference to horse welfare.

For more details of how to help, or to order a free information pack, visit animalaid.org.uk.

Robert De Silva Cheshire