I understand the reasoning behind why they do it, i just naively thought there was some other way than walking up and shooting them in the face. But as someone alluded to in an earlier post, the people who 'look after' these animals don't really give a **** about the horse, just how much money or success it can bring, so i guess i shouldn't be that surprised by the picture
I don't know about that not feeling pain part Wooley. Back in the 60's when directors and cameramen were not so sensitive as today, I was watching the Saturday racing when a horse called Grey Wave broke it's foreleg. It dropped to the back of the field and the commentator (O'Sullivan I think) announced "poor little Grey Wave looks to have broken down". The cameraman kept his focus on the horse, as Grey Wave came right up to the rails with foreleg swinging in the breeze and a look of stark terror in his/her eyes, staring down the lens that I will remember for ever. It that wasn't feeling pain then I'm the Queen Mum resurrected (trust me I'm not)
Really surprised to read that comment from a close follower of the sport smokey. You only need read the comments from Michael Bell, or his groom Gill Dolman, after Wigmore Hall's sad demise to realise what an impact it had on everyone in the yard.
At least you can lay it off uncle, if need be. I haven't seen anyone with a wow factor this year so it might be a relatively poor year that doesn't take too much winning. Betfred have 5 of them (inc yours) at 8/1 co favs; probably says it all. I think I'll reserve judgement until I've seen what they can offer in later round(s).
Pain and fear are different things Reebs. I wouldn't say that I know they don't feel pain in these situations, but as flight animals they certainly have fear. Need to do a blog for yesterdays experience to go on from this. (a very sad story to be told)
