The Grand National could end up looking very different if the UK leaves the EU this spring with no deal. The four-day horse racing event is expected to start on April 4 this year - less than a week after Britain's planned departure from the EU. But the rejection of Theresa May's Brexit deal and the threat of the UK leaving without a deal could have serious consequences for the number of horses that are able to race. That's because Irish horses, which make up a significant proportion of the total number, travel in and out of the UK freely thanks to agreements based on EU law. In total, 15 of the 40 horses racing at last year's event were held by Irish trainers. Last year's winner, Tiger Roll, is trained in Ireland and is tipped for a successful return this year. But a no-deal Brexit could complicate the situation for Irish horses. That's because the UK would be classified as a 'third country' by the EU, something which could then mean stronger controls on the movement of live animals across borders. The British Horseracing Authority has said it is planning for a number of Brexit scenarios and is focused on making this year's races a success. A BHA spokesman said: “We are watching the political discussions around Brexit very closely and talk frequently to government. “We are planning for a range of outcomes, and a successful running of the event in April.” Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play Play now Leaving without a deal wouldn't necessarily mean that Irish horses immediately faced huge hurdles getting in and out of the UK but it would require Britain and other countries to come to their own arrangements to make sure they can do so. And an agreement between the UK, France and Ireland on the movement of horses would cease to apply in the case of no deal. The government is aiming to get Britain designated as a 'listed' country, which would significantly reduce the requirements on trainers taking horses between the UK and the EU. Horse racing is one of many industries trying to prepare for Brexit. Merseyside councils have warned against the danger of a no-deal Brexit with some, like Liverpool and Knowsley, calling for a second referendum to be held on leaving the EU. Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson warned in his New Year message of the damage Brexit could do to the city. He wrote: "I have no doubt that Brexit is going to deliver even more misery, with the economy and employment being hit really hard, with the worst still to come. "More than ever then we need strong local leadership, because, we are heading for a situation of a no deal Brexit, with all the uncertainty this brings."
A no-deal the British Horseracing Authority could disrupt major UK horse races, according to Brexit, which said it was planning for a variety of outcomes. A no-deal departure would mean the end of an agreement between the UK, France and Ireland about the transport of the horses and the countries would have to come to their own arrangements. The official the British Horseracing Authority date of 29 March is four days before the Grand National meeting. Of last year’s 40 Grand National horses, 15 were from Ireland.