Grand National

[wimp]

Fox hunting was banned because of cruelty to the fox!Why is the Grand national not banned because of cruelty to the horse! I have my own reasons why the Grand national is NOT banned...do you?

[ummmm]

Give us your reasons then.

[Baldric]

Yes

[Maydup]

Because more animals die ever hour of every day for other reasons.

[anneasquith]

money !

[Georgiesmum]

It continues for only one reason.
Mans greed for money.

[wimp]

Give us yours ummmm!

[Purple_Popple]

Difficult, so many views for and against this historic race. Would you not think that riding horses is not cruel, or show-jumping, or dressage, or carriage driving. How about Badminton/Burleigh cross country/horse trials - is that not cruel ?

[emmie]

I like horse racing, and i don't think the Grand National is going to be banned any day soon.

[Jeza]

Banning anything takes it underground, (not literally) so to speak. So no I wouldn't ban it. I don't like boxing, but I wouldn't ban that either.

[friedgreentomato]

have you ever tried getting a horse to do something it doesn't want to?

[wimp]

welll...ummmm i dont mind either way! But i'm sure it will not be banned, ruffle to many feathers,and any that do die can go into burgers!!

[emmie]

wimp, horses have been used in one way or another for centuries, used for haulage, on the land, and in times of war. Are you suggesting that it's only the toffs who love horse racing, so won't want it banned, plenty of people like a punt, and plenty go to the race meetings. Perhaps what they can do with Aintree is make it as safe as it's possible to be, and less riders, that will help a bit.

[ChillDoubt]

The racing and bloodstock industry in this country are huge, with a massive turnover.

Take a look at the facts and figures for Ireland alone:

http://irishnationalstud.ie/upload/stud/files/1316430519_insfastfacts.pdf

Maydup makes an excellent point, plus, the horses obviously enjoy it because it is literally in their blood.

[wimp]

i hope people enjoy the grand national but horses will die not only in the grand national but in other events, that's unfortunately part of horse racing!If people dont like it ,dont bet on the race. As i said, i'm not bothered either way.i think the horses are looked after very good, better than some horses i see just standing in a park,starving with their ribs showing!

[emmie]

just wondered why you put i have my own reasons why the Grand National is NOT banned, you haven't said.

[Barmaid]

It isn't just the grand national where horses die, Wimp. They die in all types of horse sport. Trouble is, because Badminton/Burghley/point to points are not in the eye of the general public, those other deaths go unnoticed. Horses also die just in every day usage. The inherent problem is their legs and what is necessary to mend a break.

If you are going to single out one race, in fairness you also have to look at the whole of equine sport.

[wimp]

Barmaid ...if you look at my last post, what i said was, people that race horses look after them and a lot of people should never have horses because they starve them!race horses are well looked after!

[emmie]

race horses may be well looked after, but what happens to them when their day is done.

[wimp]

No burgers for me then toes!!