Under starter’s orders an hour later as National aims to appeal to new audience

Nearly nine million viewers watched on Channel 4 this year as Leighton Aspell steered the Oliver Sherwood-trained Many Clouds to victory after the race started at 4.15pm.

However, Aintree and Channel 4 hope the change to the start time will help to further increase the audience for the famous race, with research suggesting pushing the start back by an hour may help to maximise interest.

John Baker, who runs Aintree as the regional director of the Jockey Club North West, said: “This is a very positive move for the Grand National.

“We’re excited about the possibility of showcasing the greatest chase in the world to a wider national and global audience.

“The Grand National is in a great place and we’re already delighted to be Channel 4’s biggest audience of the year at 8.9 million viewers, which is a fantastic figure, but any increase is also good for the sport.

“We’re always keen to explore ways to grow and enhance this superb three-day Festival and we believe that in collaboration with our broadcast partner, Channel 4, and with the backing of the BHA, this is another extremely positive step forward for the ‘People’s Race’.”

However, critics will argue that the move is intended to prop up Channel 4’s dwindling viewing figures.

There are also concerns that the later start time will lead to racegoers becoming even more inebriated before the National.

Saphir Du Rheu will return to hurdling following his defeat in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday.

Trainer Paul Nicholls and owner Andy Stewart have decided to go back over smaller obstacles with the six-year-old after he faded into fifth place, beaten 22 lengths by Smad Place, at the weekend.

Saphir Du Rheu is likely to have the Ladbrokes World Hurdle as his aim this March, rather than the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with the likelihood that he goes back over fences next season.

Nicholls and Stewart will be hoping for a similar to scenario to that of Big Buck’s, who unseated his rider in the Hennessy and then went on to rule the staying hurdling division.

Saphir Du Rheu finished second to Cole Harden in the World Hurdle last season.

Impressive Newbury winner Arzal will be stepped up in class for the williamhill.com Novices’ Chase at Kempton on December 27.

Better known as the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase, the Grade Two event looks the next logical step for Harry Whittington’s stable star following his 13-length romp under Gavin Sheehan.

“After Kempton he’ll have two options, the Lightning at Doncaster and the Kingmaker at Warwick, but I think Doncaster will suit him better,” said the trainer.

Copneygree, Djakadam and Road To Riches, the first three home in last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, head 26 entries for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28. Other notable contenders include the Oliver Sherwood-trained Grand Nationa hero Many Clouds.