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I dont see it as cruel, as said above they are well looked after and well trained. I do feel that it could be made safer, loads has been done in the last few years towards this and let's hope more come in. The deaths yesterday were not the norm comparing to the last couple of years and the rate is continuing to fall year on year on average.

The simple answer is don't watch it! It's not just about the money - it's been going for donkey's years, it's a British Institution.

I don't like it when horses die, but thankfully they died quickly (one with a broken neck and one with a broken back) as opposed to breaking a leg which is worse. I have a lot of horsey friends and one had a horse that died on a normal run and another whose horse got spooked by something, threw him off and ended up breaking its leg because it landed awkwardly. It happens every day, but nobody says "stop keeping horses and riding them".

We go through this same discussion every year. There will always be people for and against National Hunt Racing, but horses also die doing Flat Racing, Show Jumping, Dressage, Cross Country, Point to Point etc.

No offence meant Summer, and it's not aimed at you (just so that's clear), but it always seems to be people who know nothing or very little about horses that make the most noise about banning the Grand National and National Hunt Racing in general.

Before the days of cars, there were horses. People rode them for bally miles and miles, during all kinds of weather. They had to jump over fences, bushes etc to get from one place to another. If a horse does not want to jump, it will not jump! Simple as! Yes, I know they still run and jump when they unseat their riders because they are a "pack animal". I also know that they will run and jump even if there's no other horses around - I know that because I've spent many years around horses.

The events of this years Grand National meet will no doubt be looked at by those in charge, and the wider "horsey" circles including Vets, and if necessary, more changes will be made.

If the likes of Ginger McCain says we don't need to ban National Hunt, then who am I to argue!?! What that man doesn't know about horses and racing isn't worth knowing!

I cant understand why they dont have huge colling wa;l through showers at the very end of the race to cool the horses off?

oops, I ment why dont they have big industrial showers at the end of the track fot the horses to cool down, On sat they were despirately trying to throw buckets on the horses...

good idea though

I know, although they have a good life...better than most horses kept in captivity, the horses are use to mans advantages and gains. The horse has a high price to pay for its life style.

The jockey will also be concerned about the horse.

Also Summer you electic comment is distastful.

i have been on horses in larchwood, nice animals.

I rest my case about those who know nothing about horses

The jockeys and stable crew care a hell of a lot more about the horses than you realise. The jockeys have to - the trust that is required between them and the horse is immense! Having worked with both thoroughbred horses and normal horses, you have to work hard to gain their trust and vice versa. The bond between jockey/rider and horse is the same as the bond between a human and a working dog.

Summer I like animals that much I have a cremated horse.

Yes.

Really.

I have been involved with horses since I was about ten years old,
have been on nags to thoroughbreds.
If they don't want to jump you ain't gonna make them!
Saying that,I don't like to watch the national and would like to see some changes made.

Not possible I'm afraid - a stallion is male. Plus, if as you say you've had a few lessons, there is no way anyone who knows anything about horses would allow such a novice on a stallion.

eeerrrrr wench you know horses

I'm I wrong in thinking a stallion is a male horse that has not been gelded (neutered).

sorry not having a go I'm just asking.