The Grand National has been a thorny issue for quite few years. A few years ago now the fences were “moderated” because of the concerns of ‘animal rights’ people. I have to say that I did not agree with them then – or now. Equally, I have to say that I do not agree with the people that gave the excuse that the deaths in this year’s National were the result of the protestors. Some of the evidence offered was accurate but the logic simply does not work as the horses themselves cannot speak. Obviously, as somebody that is totally anti these protestors, I would rather that they were shot on sight – see if they are truly martyrs for their cause rather than just middle class anarchists living off bank of mum and dad. If the authorities want to avoid the calamities that seem to occur every year at the first fence, they surely need to put a bend in the course before the first fence. They shortened the race to the first but that is not the problem – it is the speed of the horses (the jockeys). Everyone wants to get there first – make them slow down! I do not believe that the number of runners is the issue. Ultimately the “animal rights” mob will jump on any argument that they think suits their cause. When they protest on the track all they get done for is trespass (unless they are stupid enough to fight the authorities). Astonishing that when the protestors are asked about should the horses be bred at all and what about all the jobs in the industry, they fall silent.
I find it significant that only four horses actually FELL in this year’s race, but there were eleven “Unseated Rider” casualties. Last year, only three fell but nine jockeys came off. Most current National Hunt jockeys ride much shorter in the stirrups than years ago. Perhaps they should lengthen their stirrups for this particular race. Grand National winning jockeys Michael Scudamore, Dave Dick, and Pat Taaffe always rode long in the stirrups in any race- and they very rarely ended up on the floor. Regarding first fence fallers, I can remember in the past when there were no fallers at all going over the first. Essentially it’s down to the individual rider not to charge at the fence and ensure safe clearance. Like you, QM, I should have preferred no alteration to the fences.
Some interesting comments on the thread. The main problem horse racing authorities has is that they’re up against a group that wants to rid the world of horse racing. Titivating the GN course is of no interest to these people.
