Grand National - Who's had enough?

[Posts: 732Joined: 09 Jan 2011, 14:48]

I don't want to distract from the other threads, rather I just want to see a show of hands from horse racing fans.

[Posts: 798Joined: 23 Jan 2001, 23:22Location: Manchester]

Keep it as it is. Just hope all the once a year animal cruelty brigrade doesn't spoilt it

Maybe they should focus on animal testing where millions of animals per year are killed producing cosmetic products instead of horse racing where a tiny fraction die doing what they love and are acclaimed as heros in the process.

[Posts: 2032Joined: 06 Jun 2011, 14:34Location: Bury St Edmunds]

If only it hadn't been for Red Rum the race would have expired in the 1970s.

The Grand National is totally irrelevant to the fundamental elements of National Hunt racing. Keeping it threatens the very existence of the whole sport.

Just think how many dwellings could be built on the site of the racecourse to help the natives learn the art of housebreaking.

[Posts: 732Joined: 09 Jan 2011, 14:48]

To be honest, I couldn't care less about what the brigade think.

I just worry about other people's opinions being formed and affected as a collinear reaction against the brigade.

Horse racing is not perfect and I feel it's in the best interests of the sport to be openly and honestly introspective without people bleating on about "those wooly minded bleeding hearted pinko guardian reading yoghurt weaving..."

[Posts: 1584Joined: 31 May 2004, 16:59Location: Warwick]

Keep it as it is. Just hope all the once a year animal cruelty brigrade doesn't spoilt it

Maybe they should focus on animal testing where millions of animals per year are killed producing cosmetic products instead of horse racing where a tiny fraction die doing what they love and are acclaimed as heros in the process.

It has been illegal to use animals for testing anywhere in the UK (and Europe) since 2009. In 2013 it will be illegal to purchase any such products in the UK no matter, what their source.

Mike

[Posts: 255Joined: 22 Sep 2010, 22:25Location: Dublin]

Voted to modify. Watched the race, didn't enjoy it at all and this was before I heard the news about Synchronised and According To Pete. If people want to keep the race then reduce the field to 20. Too many horses were brought down today.

[Posts: 768Joined: 14 Jul 2007, 01:37]

after today, hated it, the fences are no longer wide enough with run outs on ends, the fences need to be wider to prevent horses cramming up falling and bringing more down, if not then reduce the number of runners in the field (the other races other national fences was more pleasent to watch), the canal turn, the rail also made the horses cram up more too the way its now been placed the alteratons made since 90's they now seem to go to fast, and the speed is what kills sadly

rip synch and pete

vf

[Posts: 3709Joined: 19 Nov 2002, 14:40Location: Fife]

Reduce the number of runners to 20.

That will lessen the speed and there would be more room.

I'd be interested to know how they arrive at the current safety limit as there's certainly not room to get 40 around the Canal Turn.

[Posts: 768Joined: 14 Jul 2007, 01:37]

Reduce the number of runners to 20.

That will lessen the speed and there would be more room.

I'd be interested to know how they arrive at the current safety limit as there's certainly not room to get 40 around the Canal Turn.

ive just wrote to aintree and expressed my concerns like this especally the canal turn situation

vf

[Posts: 12570Joined: 22 Dec 2007, 19:24]

Modify.

Reduce number of runners to 30, lessening the chance of being brought down. Also more room at fences and at the start. 40 is too many to get around Bechers, Foinavon and the Canal Turn, fences may be wide, but no horse has ever used the outside of the Canal Turn.

Get rid of drop fences. They've been done away with at most courses (which is good) but that's made it more difficult for horses when they do come accross drop fences. Therefore more fallers.

Reverse the trend of "improving" drainage systems which may make waterlogging less likely... But it's led to big meetings being run on firmer (or at least good) ground. Firmer the ground, the more risk.

If they do nothing, I've had my last bet in the National, even if it was a winning one.

[Posts: 948Joined: 28 Feb 2011, 13:01]

The race can only survive long term, imo, by the fences becoming standard park course fences.

They are too unusual for most horses hence the opinion of many in racing "either they take to them or they don't" Too many don't I'm afraid and, at the risk of attracting the usual attacks when I raise it, RSPCA's relationship with race and NH racing itself is now untenable imo.

[Posts: 785Joined: 18 May 2009, 14:37]

Personally i am finding it harder and harder to watch each year and frankly wouldnt miss it at all

[Posts: 244Joined: 19 Sep 2007, 18:35Location: Suffolk]

Horses sadly lose their lives at Cheltenham, Meydan, Punchestown,Newmarket, Ascot and Epsom and on the gallops......let's just outlaw all racing, shall we ?