Plastic brushes replace birch fences at the Grand National as organisers attempt to limit multiple horse death toll

Fence change for this year's race after accusations of animal cruelty In 2012 two horses had to be put down after falling over the old fences The plastic core of the fences will be softer and safer than the birch This year's Grand National will be on Saturday

PUBLISHED: 14:12 EST, 1 April 2013 | UPDATED: 10:19 EST, 2 April 2013

After a string of horse deaths over the last ten years, this week's Grand National will now be run over new plastic fences in the hope of making the course less dangerous.

Last year joint favourite Synchronised and outsider According to Pete had to be put down after falling at the sixth fence of the Grand National, the infamous Becher's Brook at Aintree racecourse, Liverpool.

The deaths led to public outcry and calls from animal welfare groups for the Grand National to be banned.

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Outcry: According to Pete injured himself during the 2012 Grand National falling over the old birch barrier and had to be put down

Infamous: The new Becher's Brook fence at Aintree racecourse no longer has a hard birch core but has been covered by spruces so it will not affect the appearance of the course

Aintree has responded to criticism by introducing several safeguards to help make the demanding course more horse-friendly.

The most important change will be the fences, which have seen many dangerous falls in the past.

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Plastic brushes replace birch fences at the Grand National as organisers attempt to limit multiple horse death toll