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Top jump jockey Barry Geraghty has hit back after racing's ruling body blamed riders for the chaotic start to last month's Grand National, in which According To Pete and Gold Cup winner Synchronised were killed.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) revealed it had written to all 40 jockeys telling them only the increased tension as Synchronised ran loose, plus problems resetting the tape after two false starts, spared them from disciplinary action.
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They accused the jockeys of lining up too soon or ignoring the instructions of the starter.
Jamie Stier, BHA director of raceday operations, exonerated starter Hugh Barclay of any blame and said: 'We have written to each of the riders expressing both the BHA and Aintree's disappointment with their conduct.'
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But Geraghty, who rode Shakalakaboomboom to ninth, said: 'There are more Grand Nationals when there is a problem with the start than when there isn't and to blindly blame the jockeys is unfair.
'I am disappointed. No-one was looking to achieve anything other than get a fair start.
'To get 40 horses over the line is always going to be difficult and the delay was not ideal - it put everyone on edge.
'You know there is going to be a problem because of the number of runners and the occasion. It is the biggest race of the year and of some jockeys' careers. Unless they put us in starting stalls, there is going to be a problem.'
Unsatisfactory Grand National starts have been a recurring theme even after changes made in the wake of the embarrassing 1993 void race.
This new BHA scrutiny might see greater support for the 40-strong field being reduced to a more manageable number.
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