WE need many things in racing and new initiatives are always welcome but one thing we do not need is a consolation Grand National.

The whole point of tightening up the qualifications over the big fences was to keep the lesser horses out. Why allow 40 inferior horses to jump around the course, would that not be asking for trouble and seeking the unwelcome welfare spotlight again?

FATALITIES

There were two fatalities in the Topham this year, Little Josh was also killed since the new fence centres were put in in 2013.

It may well be that better horses along with the softer fences are the reason we have had fewer fatalities.

The other point is that few punters would be interested in what would be just another four mile handicap on a Thursday.

You could bet on a race over the regular fences on the same day as it is. The Topham is there for many of the lesser horses, an easier target over a shorter distance.

Would we need a consolation All-Ireland for those that even the back door isn’t sufficient? A consolation Masters so we can enjoy Augusta?

There are many Nationals now, practically every county has one, but there is only one Grand National and only need for one.