Grand National today

Where’s Princess Anne this morning?

And my point still stands, life is about risk, driving down Emirates road poses a greater risk to life, shall we not drive on Emirates road. The points i have tried to make have not been taken up or understood, horses competing in sport have accidents and death is a real risk, this one event has been hyped by the media to IMHO an unreasonable level. I have not belittled but have asked genuine questions of those who have made statements, if anyone wants to join the band wagon of deeming that as rude so be it, i care not. This is so typical of the posters on EW, bandwagons away mentality, the poster who did ask very sound questions was in fact MB, who knows i have nothing personal against her at all but on this topic will disagree with her views and push her to justify her statements made. As for a jockey in critical condition, every time you get on a horse you risk death or injury, as a NH jockey or even flat you know the risks, it is of course sad and we hope he recovers with Gods speed but there was a similar incident this year here at Meydan, where was the fuss and sympathy then? edited by Sticky Wicket on 10/04/2011 Yes, we get it. There's risk everywhere. Horses get killed all the time. But is it really that hard to even contemplate that perhaps some deaths at the GN were needless? And is it really that hard to even contemplate that the race might still be as exciting without such risks? I haven't said you've been rude [judgment reserved on that one :D'> - I've just disagreed with your opinion. I am on the sofa waiting for it to rain again, not on the EW bandwagon. Just because nobody agrees with you doesn't mean everyone's jumping on the bandwagon and ganging up on you! Why is it inconceivable that you might be the only one with a particular opinion?! And I already pointed out that the jockey got on the horse and raced of his own free will, with a full understanding of the risks. It's stretching it a bit far to think the horses carried out risk assessments and made decisions accordingly. PS And I'd love to know what sound questions miss balamory asked. Why does she get the gold star and the rest of us get caned? :\: edited by DubaiCat on 10/04/2011 The answer to that last question is guilt because SW knows that she behaved like a p i g to BM today. There is only one person on this thread who has been rude and continues to bait and it's quite obvious who it is, calling a poster that name in this country is not appropriate nor very mature. You really have your blinkers on, don't you! :-P

less than half of the horses finished (19 out of 40)..

I attended the GN many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the excitement and the frenzy surrounding it and in many years in between then and now have placed my quid on my each way bet and thought maybe I would win a few in return but....this year I am in the UK and remembered about the race. All the family stuck their quid on and we settled to watch this amazing race but......by the time it came to its sickening end I was nearly in tears, there is no reason at all to support this event in my eyes, I will never put money on this race, never watch it and will try and ensure any of my family will support this event in the future. Whatever reason you come up with, it will not be good enough, dangerous for jockeys lethal for horses and sickening to watch, sorry.

Time to put the popcorn and vino away and head to bed and hopefully by the morning, this thread will be dead.

And my point still stands, life is about risk, driving down Emirates road poses a greater risk to life, shall we not drive on Emirates road. The points i have tried to make have not been taken up or understood, horses competing in sport have accidents and death is a real risk, this one event has been hyped by the media to IMHO an unreasonable level. I have not belittled but have asked genuine questions of those who have made statements, if anyone wants to join the band wagon of deeming that as rude so be it, i care not. This is so typical of the posters on EW, bandwagons away mentality, the poster who did ask very sound questions was in fact MB, who knows i have nothing personal against her at all but on this topic will disagree with her views and push her to justify her statements made. As for a jockey in critical condition, every time you get on a horse you risk death or injury, as a NH jockey or even flat you know the risks, it is of course sad and we hope he recovers with Gods speed but there was a similar incident this year here at Meydan, where was the fuss and sympathy then? edited by Sticky Wicket on 10/04/2011 Yes, we get it. There's risk everywhere. Horses get killed all the time. But is it really that hard to even contemplate that perhaps some deaths at the GN were needless? And is it really that hard to even contemplate that the race might still be as exciting without such risks? I haven't said you've been rude [judgment reserved on that one :D'> - I've just disagreed with your opinion. I am on the sofa waiting for it to rain again, not on the EW bandwagon. Just because nobody agrees with you doesn't mean everyone's jumping on the bandwagon and ganging up on you! Why is it inconceivable that you might be the only one with a particular opinion?! And I already pointed out that the jockey got on the horse and raced of his own free will, with a full understanding of the risks. It's stretching it a bit far to think the horses carried out risk assessments and made decisions accordingly. PS And I'd love to know what sound questions miss balamory asked. Why does she get the gold star and the rest of us get caned? :\: edited by DubaiCat on 10/04/2011 The answer to that last question is guilt because SW knows that she behaved like a p i g to BM today. There is only one person on this thread who has been rude and continues to bait and it's quite obvious who it is, calling a poster that name in this country is not appropriate nor very mature.

And my point still stands, life is about risk, driving down Emirates road poses a greater risk to life, shall we not drive on Emirates road. The points i have tried to make have not been taken up or understood, horses competing in sport have accidents and death is a real risk, this one event has been hyped by the media to IMHO an unreasonable level. I have not belittled but have asked genuine questions of those who have made statements, if anyone wants to join the band wagon of deeming that as rude so be it, i care not. This is so typical of the posters on EW, bandwagons away mentality, the poster who did ask very sound questions was in fact MB, who knows i have nothing personal against her at all but on this topic will disagree with her views and push her to justify her statements made. As for a jockey in critical condition, every time you get on a horse you risk death or injury, as a NH jockey or even flat you know the risks, it is of course sad and we hope he recovers with Gods speed but there was a similar incident this year here at Meydan, where was the fuss and sympathy then? edited by Sticky Wicket on 10/04/2011 Yes, we get it. There's risk everywhere. Horses get killed all the time. But is it really that hard to even contemplate that perhaps some deaths at the GN were needless? And is it really that hard to even contemplate that the race might still be as exciting without such risks? I haven't said you've been rude [judgment reserved on that one :D'> - I've just disagreed with your opinion. I am on the sofa waiting for it to rain again, not on the EW bandwagon. Just because nobody agrees with you doesn't mean everyone's jumping on the bandwagon and ganging up on you! Why is it inconceivable that you might be the only one with a particular opinion?! And I already pointed out that the jockey got on the horse and raced of his own free will, with a full understanding of the risks. It's stretching it a bit far to think the horses carried out risk assessments and made decisions accordingly. PS And I'd love to know what sound questions miss balamory asked. Why does she get the gold star and the rest of us get caned? :\: edited by DubaiCat on 10/04/2011 The answer to that last question is guilt because SW knows that she behaved like a p i g to BM today.

A 22 year old jocky is in hospital with serious head injuries sustained at Aintree yesterday. He's had to be put into a medical induced coma and is in a critical condition. He fell at the first and was not in the GN, lots of people day in day out sustain head injuries , obviously everyone hopes he will recover quickly, thank goodness he had first class emergency medical care onsite and is receiving treatment in the UK.

Maybe this is a dumb question but why don’t they lower the fences as this seems to be the place where most jockeys and horses are injured or killed. Yes next year let's use the Shetland GN fences used at Olympia, that should make everyone happy. If it stops these beautiful animals being killed then maybe it would be a good thing

A 22 year old jocky is in hospital with serious head injuries sustained at Aintree yesterday. He's had to be put into a medical induced coma and is in a critical condition.

SW, there's no need for the silly comments, just appreciate the fact that some people don't agree with you. Spoil sport, i'm sure the tackest dressed competition could take off. Wasn't that held at Aintree on Friday?

SW, there's no need for the silly comments, just appreciate the fact that some people don't agree with you. Spoil sport, i'm sure the tackest dressed competition could take off.

SW, there's no need for the silly comments, just appreciate the fact that some people don't agree with you.

Maybe this is a dumb question but why don’t they lower the fences as this seems to be the place where most jockeys and horses are injured or killed. Or just limit the number of runners. Or forget the horses and just have the world's largest tackest dressed competition, oh no that couldn't be held in the UK though could it?

Maybe this is a dumb question but why don’t they lower the fences as this seems to be the place where most jockeys and horses are injured or killed. Or just limit the number of runners.

Not sure what you're on about with regards to schools. But endurance and cross country are carefully monitored, with specific breaks, animals are not allowed to continue until they are deemed fit to do so. You just can't compare. Cross country is not a 'race' either. If there's one thing I learned through years of competing, it's that time isn't everything. Finishing clear is more important than those that go h.ell for leather round a course. edited by Chocs01 on 10/04/2011 No choc's there are cross country races, solid fences over long courses on racetracks, it's big in the US and there are a few in the UK, i did say not 3 day. Riding schools! More cruelty seen in riding schools than one GN a year. Endurance, lol ask some people who know about endurance in certain parts of the world and how man horses are gone through a season and lost at races. I know what happens in some endurance races and very well known people are the prime culprits, as has been reported on several occassions where they've received bans because of it in recent years. But here we're talking about racing, so let's not get sidetracked by trying to justify needless risks, by bringing other sports into it.

Maybe this is a dumb question but why don’t they lower the fences as this seems to be the place where most jockeys and horses are injured or killed.

Ah, of course. That makes it all OK then. I vote we make this year's worst dressed next year's runners :D.

Not sure what you're on about with regards to schools. But endurance and cross country are carefully monitored, with specific breaks, animals are not allowed to continue until they are deemed fit to do so. You just can't compare. Cross country is not a 'race' either. If there's one thing I learned through years of competing, it's that time isn't everything. Finishing clear is more important than those that go h.ell for leather round a course. edited by Chocs01 on 10/04/2011 No choc's there are cross country races, solid fences over long courses on racetracks, it's big in the US and there are a few in the UK, i did say not 3 day. Riding schools! More cruelty seen in riding schools than one GN a year. Endurance, lol ask some people who know about endurance in certain parts of the world and how man horses are gone through a season and lost at races.

I sit on both sides of the fence with this one but do understand where SW is coming from, even if I can't argue quite the same points she does. I love animals and hate to see any animal scared, in pain or dead. However, I am a meat eater even though I know that the animals must be scared before they die, even if that death is painless (and we know sometimes it is not...). I also love watching the Grand National, have done since I was a tiny child. I am always sad to hear of a jockey injured but they make the choice to race - However I am literally in tears when I hear one of the horses has died... I wish they could somehow make the race safer, they probably could (and no doubt will) but the GN is what it is [i'>because[/i'> of the huge fences and the danger. It would just be another race at Aintree if they alter it too much (which I am not saying is a bad thing either, not everything can or should go on forever). I used to be far more horrified about what happened and furious that these horse weren't given the choice as to whether to run or not, however I was then lucky enough to ride an ex-racehorse and after being the unwilling paricipant in a few fences that the horse decided to jump with zero encouragement from me, I realised that they LOVE what they do, it is literally in their blood and like an athlete that trains and feels a loss when they have to give up their way of life and their races when they get injured or too old, so do the horses... their is an element of conditioning to it, but if you watch how many horses continue to race in the GN after their jockey's have been thrown, you can see how much they love to be part of the pack and they love the thrill of the chase as well. If they hated it that much they would just stop... Sorry about the long post, I am not looking to change anyone's opinion or convince anyone that the GN is a good thing as it clearly isn't, people feel very strongly about it and rightly so, just wanted to throw in my opinion too... And yes, I do have some chafing from sitting so firmly on the fence... :D

And my point still stands, life is about risk, driving down Emirates road poses a greater risk to life, shall we not drive on Emirates road. The points i have tried to make have not been taken up or understood, horses competing in sport have accidents and death is a real risk, this one event has been hyped by the media to IMHO an unreasonable level. I have not belittled but have asked genuine questions of those who have made statements, if anyone wants to join the band wagon of deeming that as rude so be it, i care not. This is so typical of the posters on EW, bandwagons away mentality, the poster who did ask very sound questions was in fact MB, who knows i have nothing personal against her at all but on this topic will disagree with her views and push her to justify her statements made. As for a jockey in critical condition, every time you get on a horse you risk death or injury, as a NH jockey or even flat you know the risks, it is of course sad and we hope he recovers with Gods speed but there was a similar incident this year here at Meydan, where was the fuss and sympathy then? edited by Sticky Wicket on 10/04/2011 Yes, we get it. There's risk everywhere. Horses get killed all the time. But is it really that hard to even contemplate that perhaps some deaths at the GN were needless? And is it really that hard to even contemplate that the race might still be as exciting without such risks? I haven't said you've been rude [judgment reserved on that one :D'> - I've just disagreed with your opinion. I am on the sofa waiting for it to rain again, not on the EW bandwagon. Just because nobody agrees with you doesn't mean everyone's jumping on the bandwagon and ganging up on you! Why is it inconceivable that you might be the only one with a particular opinion?! And I already pointed out that the jockey got on the horse and raced of his own free will, with a full understanding of the risks. It's stretching it a bit far to think the horses carried out risk assessments and made decisions accordingly. PS And I'd love to know what sound questions miss balamory asked. Why does she get the gold star and the rest of us get caned? :\: edited by DubaiCat on 10/04/2011 LOL she just does! Anyway in answer to your points there is the opinon which will really set the cat off amongst the pidgeons that these horses are bred, trained and live to do this, that's the risk that's what they do, it's an industry its a way of life, it is what it is. (that's not going to go down well is it?)

Not sure what you're on about with regards to schools. But endurance and cross country are carefully monitored, with specific breaks, animals are not allowed to continue until they are deemed fit to do so. You just can't compare. Cross country is not a 'race' either. If there's one thing I learned through years of competing, it's that time isn't everything. Finishing clear is more important than those that go h.ell for leather round a course. <em>edited by Chocs01 on 10/04/2011</em>

And my point still stands, life is about risk, driving down Emirates road poses a greater risk to life, shall we not drive on Emirates road. The points i have tried to make have not been taken up or understood, horses competing in sport have accidents and death is a real risk, this one event has been hyped by the media to IMHO an unreasonable level. I have not belittled but have asked genuine questions of those who have made statements, if anyone wants to join the band wagon of deeming that as rude so be it, i care not. This is so typical of the posters on EW, bandwagons away mentality, the poster who did ask very sound questions was in fact MB, who knows i have nothing personal against her at all but on this topic will disagree with her views and push her to justify her statements made. As for a jockey in critical condition, every time you get on a horse you risk death or injury, as a NH jockey or even flat you know the risks, it is of course sad and we hope he recovers with Gods speed but there was a similar incident this year here at Meydan, where was the fuss and sympathy then? edited by Sticky Wicket on 10/04/2011 Yes, we get it. There's risk everywhere. Horses get killed all the time. But is it really that hard to even contemplate that perhaps some deaths at the GN were needless? And is it really that hard to even contemplate that the race might still be as exciting without such risks? I haven't said you've been rude [judgment reserved on that one :D'> - I've just disagreed with your opinion. I am on the sofa waiting for it to rain again, not on the EW bandwagon. Just because nobody agrees with you doesn't mean everyone's jumping on the bandwagon and ganging up on you! Why is it inconceivable that you might be the only one with a particular opinion?! And I already pointed out that the jockey got on the horse and raced of his own free will, with a full understanding of the risks. It's stretching it a bit far to think the horses carried out risk assessments and made decisions accordingly. PS And I'd love to know what sound questions miss balamory asked. Why does she get the gold star and the rest of us get caned? :\: <em>edited by DubaiCat on 10/04/2011</em>

Yes, but when you get behind the wheel of a car, the risk is your own. When you're riding you're asking the animal to perform to the best of its ability. Pushing those animals to the very brink is hardly sportsmanship IMHO. When you compete, you do not put a horse in a class above its capabilities. Pushing them to the very limit is just asking for trouble. 4 and a half miles is an excruciating distance for even the fittest of animals, then you want to put horrendously huge fences in their way. If you ask me, they need to lower the fences or reduce the distance. But I don't like your attitude that all country folk are hard liners, it's just not true. There are other equine sports that IMHO are far far worse. Such as? Don't get me wrong, I have no issue with racing in general, but the GN is just unnecessarily harsh. I've seen plenty of horses in the top stables here, who are bolted back together because they're worth a fortune in stud fees - they're the lucky ones! Shall we start with Endurance , riding schoools and then Cross country races (not 3 day)?

SO taking on board what has been said if the course was shortened to 3 miles, the fences dropped down in height by a foot and only 2o horses in the field whoul that make you happy? What would be your veiw if three horses died in that race? Honesty please. Accidents of course do happen, but the calculated risk would be much less overall. I mean I've witnessed some horrific accidents on cross country courses over the years, but these are mainly through people misjudging the capabilites of the animals and making silly mistakes. No point in taking unnecessary risks.

SW, are you saying we should still let students smoke in class? God yes! You ride Ceese and you know the risks, should you not ride because you may fall off or the horse may break it's leg while you are riding it? And the horses, SW........they calculate the risks also? Don't we as humans have a certain duty of care here? Do you want the sarky horsey response or the PC one to that question? Well the mood you are in tonight................I certainly can't expect anything sensible. FFS Don't you get it? I'm pro horse racing..........I just think the GN has become something bigger, uglier and infinitely less sporting than it once was. And a great deal less humane.

Yes, but when you get behind the wheel of a car, the risk is your own. When you're riding you're asking the animal to perform to the best of its ability. Pushing those animals to the very brink is hardly sportsmanship IMHO. When you compete, you do not put a horse in a class above its capabilities. Pushing them to the very limit is just asking for trouble. 4 and a half miles is an excruciating distance for even the fittest of animals, then you want to put horrendously huge fences in their way. If you ask me, they need to lower the fences or reduce the distance. But I don't like your attitude that all country folk are hard liners, it's just not true. There are other equine sports that IMHO are far far worse. Such as? Don't get me wrong, I have no issue with racing in general, but the GN is just unnecessarily harsh. I've seen plenty of horses in the top stables here, who are bolted back together because they're worth a fortune in stud fees - they're the lucky ones!

SO taking on board what has been said if the course was shortened to 3 miles, the fences dropped down in height by a foot and only 2o horses in the field whoul that make you happy? What would be your veiw if three horses died in that race? Honesty please.

SW, come on a little hint, maybe some initials? Not sure I get the "no fool" thing are you confusing me with my evil twin?

Yes, but when you get behind the wheel of a car, the risk is your own. When you're riding you're asking the animal to perform to the best of its ability. Pushing those animals to the very brink is hardly sportsmanship IMHO. When you compete, you do not put a horse in a class above its capabilities. Pushing them to the very limit is just asking for trouble. 4 and a half miles is an excruciating distance for even the fittest of animals, then you want to put horrendously huge fences in their way. If you ask me, they need to lower the fences or reduce the distance. But I don't like your attitude that all country folk are hard liners, it's just not true. There are other equine sports that IMHO are far far worse.