Entertainment?

[Hibby D]

I don't think so :no way:


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1375210/Grand-National-2011-Ballabriggs-wins-day-drama-Aintree.html

Don't know what to say really. I know nothing about betting and have been to one race meeting in my life.

I stopped betting in the National years ago because in order for my horse to come 4th it had to be whipped to within an inch of it's life.

What a horrible race - why is it allowed to continue? 33 horses in 10 years? :bitchy:

[Future17]

It's a difficult one. I bet on the National and get involved with the office sweepstake etc. but it's hard to justify when confronted with the facts in that article. The picture of Dooney's Gate is stomach-churning.

I'd be interested to hear the owners, traininers and jockeys take on this.

On a side note, I think the criticism of the commentators is a bit ridiculous given that they wouldn't know whether it was horse or jockey injured. What are they supposed to say?

[heretoday]

It's an old argument. We breed all sorts of animals for all sorts of reasons, primarily food. In this case horses are bred for sport.

And a racehorse has not a bad life as it goes compared to say battery chickens - regular food and water, grooming, warmth and plenty company.

[Hibs Class]

It's an old argument. We breed all sorts of animals for all sorts of reasons, primarily food. In this case horses are bred for sport.

And a racehorse has not a bad life as it goes compared to say battery chickens - regular food and water, grooming, warmth and plenty company.

Similarly, the bulls that are bred for bull fighting also have a nice life, until the day they also die a painful and unnecessary death.

[Woody1985]

Similarly, the bulls that are bred for bull fighting also have a nice life, until the day they also die a painful and unnecessary death.

They're not breeding horses to kill them though. It's an unfortunate accident. I'm pretty sure a horse dying benefits no one, unlike bull fighting.

[Killiehibbie]

Similarly, the bulls that are bred for bull fighting also have a nice life, until the day they also die a painful and unnecessary death.Horses are not bred to die jumping fences but it sometimes happens. Ban racing to stop this happening and they will not even be born. There is a certain amount of risk involved in everything so we all better just stay in bed every day.

[Hibs Class]

Horses are not bred to die jumping fences but it sometimes happens. Ban racing to stop this happening and they will not even be born. There is a certain amount of risk involved in everything so we all better just stay in bed every day.

I'm not advocating banning racing, but this particular race seems to result in deaths more often than not. I don't know if the course is too long, if there are too many runners, if the fences are still too dangerous or there is some other reason. But I do believe that the repeated loss of life in this event is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.

[Hibby D]

I'm not advocating banning racing, but this particular race seems to result in deaths more often than not. I don't know if the course is too long, if there are too many runners, if the fences are still too dangerous or there is some other reason. But I do believe that the repeated loss of life in this event is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.

33 horses in the last ten years is surely an indication that something has to be done although I admit I don't know how those stats compare to non-National fixtures.

I hate the ferocity with which the horses are whipped too and if that was being dished out to a dog or cat or any other animal the SSPCA would have the perp up in front of the Sheriff.

I know horses are bred to race but I honestly don't think they'd sign up for it if they knew the risk factors involved. Why can't the whipping be banned? :confused: It's not as if horse racing is based on time, it's first past the bloody post. Take the whips away and it will be an even playing field no? :dunno:

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

What a horrible race - why is it allowed to continue? 33 horses in 10 years? :bitchy:

Should fishing be banned? Im sure more than 33 fish have died as a direct result of this barbaric sport over the last 10 years!

They do taste better though!

[Removed]

All this care for horses. What about the thousands of babies needlessly killed every year. All we hear in defence is "it's the woman's body and her choice"

So what's different with a horse owner?

[vein]

33 horses in the last ten years is surely an indication that something has to be done although I admit I don't know how those stats compare to non-National fixtures.


I cant say I'm an expert myself but I would point toward the Cheltenham Festival where there are also a fair few deaths most years. I would say however from what I have seen over around 10 (unsuccesful :greengrin) punting years there are a fair few horses that take crashing falls and dont get back up that will not get the media attention that the horses in the National do.

[Speedy]

33 horses in the last ten years is surely an indication that something has to be done although I admit I don't know how those stats compare to non-National fixtures.

I hate the ferocity with which the horses are whipped too and if that was being dished out to a dog or cat or any other animal the SSPCA would have the perp up in front of the Sheriff.

I know horses are bred to race but I honestly don't think they'd sign up for it if they knew the risk factors involved. Why can't the whipping be banned? :confused: It's not as if horse racing is based on time, it's first past the bloody post. Take the whips away and it will be an even playing field no? :dunno:

I don't know if you realise but it was 33 horses in the last ten years of the 3 day meeting, i.e. there has been approx. 21 races each year not just 1.

Apologies if you knew that but the article is trying to deliberately mislead the reader in my opinion.

[Speedy]

I don't know if you realise but it was 33 horses in the last ten years of the 3 day meeting, i.e. there has been approx. 21 races each year not just 1.

Apologies if you knew that but the article is trying to deliberately mislead the reader in my opinion.

Edit: The article also says that 162 horses have died in the last 12 months so you could make the comparison if you can find out how many races there have been in the last year.

[heretoday]

Despite being a fan of the National and generally agreeing with horse racing, I have to say I was astounded at some of the comments made on the radio this morning by the racing fraternity.

Johnny Francome said the animals love the game so much they would drive themselves to the racecourse if they could. Disregarding the absurdity of this statement, how does he know what the horses think?

As far as I know they don't talk, apart from Ed the old tv star (and he was the exception), so by claiming they find jumping over sharp sticks and getting whipped enjoyable Francome shows he is in massive denial. Perhaps he would like to try it. I've often had my doubts about him!

If only the racing types would just admit that it can be cruel but they do it anyway. Be honest.

[SlickShoes]

All this care for horses. What about the thousands of babies needlessly killed every year. All we hear in defence is "it's the woman's body and her choice"

So what's different with a horse owner?

Hopefully this is a massive troll attempt i have just fallen for!