Organisers have confirmed the Aintree Grand Nationwide will transfer to the sooner time of 16:00 BST from this 12 months.

The time change from 17:15 is certainly one of a number of alterations to the world-famous steeplechase, which will likely be run on Saturday, 13 April.

The Jockey Membership stated the change is a part of an ongoing deal with equine welfare.

“We go away no stone unturned in offering world-class requirements of welfare,” stated Aintree clerk of the course Sulekha Varma.

“This was a call we took after quite a lot of individuals and different racing stakeholders raised considerations in regards to the lengthy build-up to the race all through the day and heightened stress because of this.

“These weren’t points which had been recognized as an issue when the race was beforehand staged at 15:45 and 16:15.

“Bringing ahead the beginning time can even assist us to keep up optimum leaping floor, as heat or breezy situations can dry out the racing floor.”

The race’s begin time was put again an hour in 2016 in an try to draw a wider viewers.

The Jockey Membership had already introduced in October that the sector for the race could be lowered to a most of 34 runners from 40.

Different modifications embody a shorter run to the primary fence to sluggish horses down early on, the introduction of a standing begin and additional veterinary checks.

One horse died in final 12 months’s race, which was delayed by 14 minutes after a protest by animal rights activists.

A complete of 94 horses have been entered for April’s race, which will likely be its 176th operating.