However, while there will be changes to fence design, landing areas and course irrigation, the size of the field will remain at 40 horses. Also, Becher’s Brook – the much-feared fence criticized for its severity- will keep the same drop and dimensions.

The changes announced Thursday will start for the 2013 race. Ten horses having died in the past 12 years of the National, sparking criticism from animal welfare groups.

“Balancing the Grand National’s enduring appeal while working to reduce risk in the race is a delicate but important balance to strike,” said John Baker, who runs the Aintree course in Liverpool where the race is staged. “In recent years, we have made significant investments in safety and believe today’s announcement demonstrates we will continue to do so.”

Organizers have attempted to address the recent problems surrounding the beginning of the race. Recommendations include moving the start 90 yards forward, away from the noise of the crowd in the grandstands. That will shorten the distance of the race to 4 miles, 3 1/2 furlongs.

Last year, the favorite Synchronised and According to Pete were put down after sustaining injuries. Only 15 of the 40 runners finished the race, with many horses colliding with those who fell at the famous high fences. Some critics called for an end to the race.

The congested field is the biggest criticism leveled at the National, yet the review said the “course and fences allow enough racing surface to accommodate this number of runners.”

Becher’s Brook, where Synchronised and According to Pete fell, has undergone “further leveling of the wider landing zone” but the drop of between 5 feet, 2 inches and 5 feet, 8 inches remains.

“These latest changes reinforce the fact that we have never stood still when it comes to safety and welfare,” Baker said. “However, we are fully aware in racing that you cannot remove risk altogether.”

The race is scheduled for April 6.

However, there will be no reduction in the size of the 40-horse field. Also, Bechers Brook – the much-feared fence that has been the cause of a number of horse casualties – will remain with the same drop and dimensions.

John Baker, who runs the Aintree course where the race is staged, says “balancing the Grand National’s enduring appeal while working to reduce risk in the race is a delicate but important balance to strike.”

Ten horses have died in the past 12 years in the National, leading to criticism from animal welfare groups.

Since her last victory in May, Fiftyfour Forever had finished second or third in the next six races. The win was the third in 12 starts for the 3-year-old trained by Anthony Quartarolo. The time was 1:21.54 for the seven furlongs on the track rated good. The race, originally scheduled for the turf, was switched to dirt following heavy rain in the area on Tuesday night.

Fiftyfour Forever paid $5.20, $2.80 and $2.10. Great Gracie Dane, the 4-5 favorite, returned $2.40 and $2.10 while Lady Vi paid $2.60 to show.

In asking the Court of Appeals to hear Dutrow’s case, attorney Michael Koenig (KAY’-neg) says it should decide whether the appearance of bias by racing board Chairman John Sabini cost the trainer his right to a fair proceeding over drug violations.

They say Sabini had a conflicting role as an officer of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, which advocated revoking his license.

A midlevel New York court upheld the ban.

State lawyers say the midlevel court found no evidence of actual bias, and the top court should reject the case.

A ruling is expected next month

Wise Dan, a 5-year-old gelding trained by Charles Lopresti, finished in 1:34.07 on the turf course and paid $3.10, $2.70 and $2.10. Hunters Bay returned $6.30 and $4.40, and Cityscape paid $2.90.

Boots Ahead edged Strong Impact by a neck in his first start since being claimed by trainer David Jacobson for $35,000 last month at Saratoga. The 5-year-old gelding ran a mile in 1:35.56, and paid $9.10, $4.30 and $2.60 for his eighth victory in 25 starts.

Strong Impact returned $4.80 and $3.10, and Dominant Jeannes paid $3.90 to show.

Driven by Tetrick, Market Share edged Little Brown Fox by a neck, finishing in 1:52.

Tim Tetrick became the third driver to win three $1 million in a season and the first since John Campbell in 1995. Bill O’Donnell also accomplished the feat in 1985.

Tetrick also drove Market Share to victory in the $1.5 million Hambletonian, and won the $1 million Metro Pace this month at Mohawk with Captaintreacherous.

Market Share paid $3.30, $2.30 and $2.20 for his 12th victory in 20 career starts and seventh in 15 races this year. Little Brown Fox returned $3.30 and $3, and Guccio paid $3.80.

After running 10 times in Europe, Samitar missed by only a neck in her U.S. debut in the Lake George Stakes at Saratoga in July. This time, she got the narrow decision for her second stakes victory to go along with the Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh in Ireland in May.

Ramon Dominguez was aboard for trainer Chad Brown as British-bred Samitar ran 1 1-8 miles in 1:48.74 over the firm course, paying $3.70, $2.70 and $2.20.

Somali Lemonade returned $4.20 and $3.10, and Tannery paid $3.70 to show.

Ciao Bella was fourth, followed by Open Water, Trophy Wife and Karlovy Vary.

One race earlier, Naples Bay beat Dealbata by 1 1/2 lengths in the $150,000 Noble Damsel for fillies and mares on the grass. Jose Lezcano rode for trainer Christophe Clement as the 4-year-old ran a mile in 1:33.96, paying $28 to win.

Angelo Chinnici, the track’s medical director, said the 24-year-old apprentice was alert after the spill. But Camacho was taken to a hospital for X-rays and further evaluation of head and “lower extremity” injuries.

Camacho was aboard Stategic Command, a 4-year-old filly who broke down as she neared the finish line at the track in Oceanport. She was euthanized on the track a short time later.

A 24-year-old native of Venezuela, Camacho has scored 11 winners in 120 mounts during the track’s current meet.

Having already won the English Derby and the 2,000 Guineas this year, Camelot was 2-5 favorite to win the world’s oldest classic but couldn’t catch the 25-1 shot in the sprint to the line and lost by three-quarters of a length.

Nijinsky, ridden by Lester Piggott in 1970, was the last of 15 horses to win the three English classics in one season.

Camelot, who won his first five races, was kept at the back of the nine-horse field by jockey Joseph O’Brien but was trapped next to the rail before attempting a late surge.