New plan to end farce of Grand National start

New starting procedures are to be implemented for this year's Grand National in a bid to avoid the farcical scenes which saw last season's race go off almost 10 minutes late and one runner left with no chance when stranded at the start.

Following successful trials at meetings at Aintree and Cheltenham, marker poles and a marked line in the turf will now be used before this year's National to discourage runners from charging the starting tape.

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This follows recommendations from a working group set up by the British Horseracing Authority to examine the start of last year's race.

"There will be some amendments to the starting procedures this year," said BHA spokesman Paul Struthers.

But no decision has yet been taken as to whether senior starter Peter Haynes will again take charge of the start.

Entries for the 5 April renewal of the world's most famous jumps race must be made today. The name McCain, synonymous with the fixture thanks to the exploits of Red Rum, is set to feature again in the 2008 renewal.

Donald McCain, who took over the licence from his father Ginger - Red Rum's trainer - two years ago, has entered three horses for the contest.

"Cloudy Lane is being aimed at the race and he won't run again until the weights are out," said the trainer.

"He could run in the next two or three weeks and then his last race before the National would be the Grimthorpe at Doncaster.

"His owner, Mr (Trevor) Hemmings loves to have runners in the race and the horse is improving all the time. He is a very professional little horse and a great jumper.

"Idle Talk ran a great race at the weekend and jumped immaculately until the last, when Graham [Lee] said that it was his fault rather than the horse's.

"He'd appreciate more of a test than three miles on good ground anyway so that was a pleasing run.

"I'll also have Bannister Lane but he might be a horse for next year's race."