2013 Grand National to modifications made for the previous year's race, Aintree announced that a number of further changes had been made for the 2013 National. Twelve of the 16 fences on the course were rebuilt with the timber frames within them replaced by a softer material known as "plastic birch". The fences are still covered with at least 14 inches of spruce and will remain the same height. The starting line was also moved 90 yards closer to the first fence, further away from the spectators' stands and thereby reducing slightly the overall distance. Aintree and the Professional Jockeys' Association jointly issued
1919 Grand National 1919 Grand National The 1919 Grand National was the 78th renewal of the world-famous Grand National horse race that took place at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England on 28 March 1919. It was the first true Aintree Grand National since 1915, with the intermittent races being cancelled due to World War I and substituted by a 'Racecourse Association Steeplechase' and later a 'War National Steeplechase' at Gatwick Racecourse. The 1919 National was won by the Poethlyn, ridden by Ernest Piggott. The pair had won an unofficial National at Gatwick in 1918 and on the back of this started 11/4 favourites,