Months after two horses died during the 2011 running of the Grand National steeplechase–the famed British race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England–the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has completed a review of equine safety and welfare during the race. The organization has also made recommendations to improve equine safety and welfare, according to a press release from the BHA.

"The review group considered a large amount of statistical data and technical information relating to the Grand National and the Grand National course," the release relayed. "The Aintree Managing Executives were involved actively throughout the review. The group also consulted extensively, including with representatives from the Aintree Veterinary Team; the Jockeys and the Professional Jockeys Association; Racehorse Trainers and the National Trainers Federation; and animal welfare organizations including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and World Horse Welfare."

The main recommendations of the review, The Grand National: A Review of Safety and Welfare, include:

• Several changes relating to the structure of and groundwork around fences in the race (which were communicated as part of an August announcement by Aintree and are now completed);
• Minimum age of horses eligible to be entered in the race to be increased from six to seven years, and all horses to have previously finished fourth or better in a steeplechase under rules of three miles or further;
• Various elements of pre- and post-race procedures to be reviewed and enhanced;
• Improved processes for identifying and responding to weather-related risks; and
• Existing race-day veterinary inspections (carried out by BHA veterinarians) of all horses running in the Grand National to be extended to all races run over the Grand National fences.

"Events at the 2011 Grand National were upsetting for people directly involved in the sport and those who follow it," Tim Morris, DVM, PhD, BHA director of equine science and welfare, said in the release. "The deaths of two horses … ensured there was significant media and public attention on the issue of safety and welfare in the Grand National