A significant bookmaker cautioned that recent revisions have left the Grand National close to "the last chance saloon" and that 2021 winner Henry de Bromhead called it an "iconic race" in AFP.
The Queen Mother's Devon Loch belly-flopping near the finishing post in 1956 and three-time winner Red Rum overtaking long-time leader Crisp on the line in 1973 have all added excitement to Saturday's event, held initially in 1839 with 30 obstacles.
Five equine fatalities in the past four editions, some of which were due to falls, have necessitated further changes.
The 2024 Aintree renewal will be the first with a field reduced from 40 to 34 (66 horses lined up in 1929), a shorter run to the first fence, and a smaller 11th fence (an open ditch). After a first fence collapse and a 15-minute delay due to animal rights activists, last year's course was reviewed, and Hill Sixteen was removed.
This month, protesters said they wouldn't disrupt the race this weekend. Minella Times' jockey Rachael Blackmore became the first woman to win the world's best steeplechase.
Even with the changes—the latest after years of them—the occasion is remarkable for the thoughtful de Bromhead.
He has three runners this year, including 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo. "It is still an iconic race," said the 51-year-old Irishman. Of course, losing a horse is enormous; no one wants to go home with an empty horse box.