This is true, and I am a big fan of horse racing, but there is no doubting that the National is an awful race for horse safety
Why? I agree the GN should be changed (ridiculous race- too many horses, too narrow course- not about the fastest horse at all). Steeplechase is fun, especially if you're driving alongside the track. Horsey people, on the other hand...
I love my horse racing but I must admit I agree with that - it certainly gives the anti racing lobby all the ammunition they need. Unfortunately the defenders of the sport tend to just respond with abuse and childish barbs (Paull Nicolls telling people to grow up last year springs to mind) and that really doesnlt help their position
Because while a horse is happy to run, it wants to run until it wants to stop. More importantly, while a horse is happy to run, they really don't like to jump. In fact, without being coerced, they'll do anything by themselves rather than jump. Note that 99% of riderless horses run around a fence rather than jump, if they can. If they can't, they stop. So, in the case of the Grand National, it is dangerous and frightening to the horse. But there are plenty of other races with high jumps. In fact, all jumping races are potentially very dangerous to a horse. Flat racing not so. But people don't care, after all it's the Sport of Kings, and they like to have a little flutter. Well, in my World, this is one sport that the king would have to do without.
Well I don't care. Anyway, this is Lamb's thread and we've hijacked it enough. The Grand National... now write on.
I've gone for Lost Glory and Mr Moonshine to be placed - I think I must have been on the moonshine when I put the bets on though, risking a grand total of £5 on the 2 bets. If any horses die in the race, I've got room in my freezer.
