There’s a key trend developing over the National fences – and I’ll be sure to follow it in the Becher

The return of the Grand National fences last Saturday provided plenty of food for thought.

Many people have moaned about the fences being a shadow of their former selves, but the Grand Sefton had the look of a race from a bygone era, with no shortage of thrills and spills.

As far from uneventful as you can get, the season’s first contest over the big green birch reminded everyone how demanding the famous course can be, with seven of the 17 runners failing to finish.

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Published on 13 November 2025inAndrew Dietz

Last updated 14:00, 13 November 2025