subject: Becher's Brook: The Most Notorious Jump in Horse Fencing [print this page] Becher's Brook: The Most Notorious Jump in Horse Fencing
In the world of horse fencing, there is perhaps no jump more renowned for its infamy and notoriety than Aintree's Racecourse's Becher's Brook. Its steep drop landing has made it one of the most daunting obstacles in the entire world of horse racing.
This article will give you a bit of history on the most famous jump in horse fencing, and explain why it is revered as the most dangerous and exciting jump in National Hunt racing.
Becher's Brook's reputation is further enhanced by the fact that it is part of the most demanding steeplechase on earth, The Grand National. The jump actually has to be negotiated twice during the race as the sixth and twenty-second fences.
Naming
Becher's Brook takes its name from Captain Becher, who famously took refuge in the small brook running on the landing side of the horse fencing. This was during the very first Grand National, when he was unseated by his horse, Conrad. The Brook (or the stream) is now concealed under a line of cast iron drain covers.
Controversy
The fence attracted controversy during the 1989 Grand National, when six horses fell during the first circuit, two of which died of their injuries. This led to pressure from animal rights groups, which eventually forced the race course executives to modify the fence.
To make the fence safer the backward slope landing was levelled off, the brook was raised and the fence angle was made safer. This outraged many traditionalists, who feel it has detracted from the spectacle of the race.
Despite this, in 2009 nine riders failed to negotiate their way over the fence, the highest number of causalities recorded since the race was televised in 1960. This is proof that, even with the recent modifications, Becher's Brook you are unlikely to find a more difficult and demanding jump in all of horse fencing.
