call me pessimistic if you like, but if we lose any horses tomorrow the media (led by a bitter BBC) and the RSPCA and the animal rights nutters will not rest until the National is banned.
Unfortunately after watching the Foxhunters and Topham I think the jockeys now know the fences are so easy they are only going to go faster, thus almost certainly guaranteeing a disaster.
I will savour tomorrows race and unless Katie can save it I genuinely feel it will be the last ever.
and have you seen Imogen Thomas' views in The Sun? God help us -
IMOGEN THOMAS has called for The Grand National to be BANNED.
The new mum took to Twitter to call for it to be scrapped after seeing some racing from Aintree on TV.
She said: “Watching this morning and I think the grand national should def be banned! Poor horses xx”
the anti's wont care about that!and have you seen Imogen Thomas' views in The Sun? God help us - IMOGEN THOMAS has called for The Grand National to be BANNED. The new mum took to Twitter to call for it to be scrapped after seeing some racing from Ain
Lol, Imogen Thomas. Maybe banning the Grand National in conjunction with having sex with the Premier League is the way to go. I know at least one person who'd not like that to happen.
Lol, Imogen Thomas. Maybe banning the Grand National in conjunction with having sex with the Premier League is the way to go. I know at least one person who'd not like that to happen.
A lot of the people who are against it ride horses on public roads. Anyone got any stats on how many horses (and people) are killed because of this every year?
A lot of the people who are against it ride horses on public roads. Anyone got any stats on how many horses (and people) are killed because of this every year?
The constant tinkering with the fences has had the reverse effect and made the race less safe imo. The National now attracts a much better class of horse and consequently is run at a much faster pace. Back in the 1960's and 70's the field would simply hack round on the 1st circuit with the race beginning in earnest on the 2nd circuit. Nowadays the race is on from the start leading to more casualties. It is not coincidence that more horses have been fatally injured in the race since 2000 than in the 2 decades from 1960 to 1979. Back then trainers would often refer to a particular horse as a "National" type meaning it was particularly suited to the unique demands that Aintree placed upon it. The likes of Fred Winter, Fred Rimell and Fulke Walwyn wouldn't recognise the race today.
The constant tinkering with the fences has had the reverse effect and made the race less safe imo. The National now attracts a much better class of horse and consequently is run at a much faster pace. Back in the 1960's and 70's the field would sim