Grand National Saturday Final Dec

[redman41]

If anyone fancies a Bet, the Final 40 Horses have been declared for the Race at 4.15pm, along with 4 Reserves.
The Full List is in Sports Section ( Aintree Grand National )
Good Luck if you are having a flutter !!!

[classylady60]

Sorry but just had to comment here...each to his own of course, but I hope some people will realise just how cruel this race is for the poor horses...some years the poor devils are either killed whilst racing or injured badly enough they have to be put to sleep. If people didn't bet on cruelty like this then it would stop....I know there will be lots who don't agree and have no feelings for animals...but because I do, I just wanted to comment and hope that somewhere out there, there may be others who feel the same as I do and have a conscience when it comes to animals being used and abused (IMO) like this. Thanks for "listening" and if you do love animals...may I persuade you not to bet on this race?

[redman41]

I respect your views classylady60 and very politely put as well, however I do not agree with what you are saying about it being a cruel Sport. It is sad when an Animal dies on the Aintree Racecourse or any where else for that matter, but the Horses are very well looked after at all times by the Owners, Trainers and Jockeys. I abhor cruelty to all Animals as I am an Animal lover. One of my favourite Hobbies is Bird watching and love Nature.

[classylady60]

Hello Redman thanks for your nice reply and I can understand what you are saying. However it is very well documented that horses have died during this arduous and difficult race and personally I don't think anything to do with "sport" (I use this word loosely regarding this race), is worth horses being killed or maimed just to satisfy human nature and its love of money or at least trying to gain it by betting on these poor animals who actually don't have a choice of being in the race or not.

[ELVIS68]

classylady60, I`m sorry but you are talking rubbish, if a horse didn`t want to run it wouldn`t, you can`t make it run, you can`t make it jump, they do it because they enjoy it, and before you start about the whips, they are not used to make a horse run faster, they are used for steering a horse

If you are that concerened about animal cruelty, see what the spanish get up to, or even worse..a halal slaughterhouse then come back and tell me horse racing is cruel

[ummmm]

It's cruel ;-)

Nar...I'm anti horse racing for completely different reasons. I wouldn't even watch a race...let alone bet on one.

[Chaffinch]

I have had horse all my life (which is a long time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and i have to agree with Elvis, if a horse does not want to run and jump it WONT. The Grand National comes in for a lot of stick, as do all steeple chases, but these horses are mature, well kept, well fed animals, who are better treated than most humans!

Yes there are injuries and even fatalaties, but there are injuries and fetalaties in ALL sports. I know I will get the "but the horse does not want to race its forced" Just try FORCEING a horse to do anything it does not want to do!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone who can do this please contact me, as mine has given up hard feed and nothing I do will make it eat..............................OK grass it is then

[classylady60]

There are all forms of animal cruelty ELVIS68, this thread was about horse racing so I commented on that and maintain my stance, read up on the race itself and see what you come up with regarding what the horses go through. As for the other forms of cruelty I loathe and despise it wherever it happens but this was regarding the race mentioned therefore I am concentrating on that. As for me talking rubbish, that is of course your opinion, but please tell me why some jockeys are reprimanded for over use of the whip on the poor animals....not for "over steering" I'm sure, but for inflicting pain on the poor animal! IMO you are wrong regarding the whip and I'm sure you realise that of course.

[ELVIS68]

I don`t need to read up on the race to see what the horses go through, like I said, you cannot make a horse run or jump, if a horse didn`t like jumping a fence it wouldn`t
Do you honestly think a half ton horse is going to be dictated by an 8 stone irish midget?
Whips are for steering purposes but some jockeys do give the horse a smack on the arse to wake it up during a race and some overdo it and get banned

You obviously don`t know much about horse racing so maybe you should read up on it

[ummmm]

Oi...not all jockeys are Irish :-)

My Aunty used to own stables and they did lots of fox hunting...the horses looked/acted quite excited.

[Chaffinch]

classylady........... Do you ride, own horses?

[ELVIS68]

Also classylady60 your comment ..."I know there will be lots who don't agree and have no feelings for animals"...

Well I guess a worldwide audience of 600 million would disagree with you

[RATTER15]

I don't like the Grand National either, but they have gone a long way to improve the course and its nothing like as bad as it used to be.

I would never put money on it either.

[classylady60]

No Chaffinch I don't on horses but one doesn't have to own them or ride them to know what is right and wrong.

[Chaffinch]

Well said Berti

[classylady60]

*own*

[Chaffinch]

Classylady OH YES YOU DO

I think the Earth is the centre of the universe, but I have no understanding of Pysics!!!!!!!!!

[classylady60]

It's no good preaching to the converted is it? You all have your opinions and I have my facts, that's fine, each to his own.

[Chaffinch]

The hated word "Townie" spring to mind!