Grand National .......to think that the horse...

[HoHoHoNoYouDont]

...that came in second without a jockey deserves a prize of it's own.

I noticed a couple had lost their jockey this year. Do the horses carry on running because they're scared, enjoying running with the others????

I was dead chuffed that most of the one's that went actually lost their riders rather than fell. I only saw one horse fall (not a bad one) and that was dp's from the work sweepstake.

I love the riderless horses. They look like they are enjoying the freedom.

Imagine how frustrating it must be for the people who bet on that horse

I think they carry on because they're pack animals and it's instinctive.

That's what I thought too Sparkling.

Nope, not enjoying it. Horses are herd animals, when they are frightened they will stay with the herd for protection.

the riderless horses are often the ones that get killed.....look at the stats for those euthanised

Did you see the two riderless horses that carried on a bit then just gave up? Like 'nah, won't jump any more'.

That horse brought a tear to my eye, he was doing it for himself no one was whipping him and he came second!

I saw two break away from the group to the side. I imagine they would have been rounded up. I hope they weren't too distressed then.

I said that claimed but DH said it was lighter, that's why it came second.

Your DH is probably right but I like happy horses running free in my own little bubble.

They enjoy it and they are herd animals

But without the weight of a jockey it's a bit easier :)

I think I live in your bubble claimed

The rider less horse looked as if he was having the time of his life!

The winner look as if he could go around again, lovely to see.

All home safe, by the way.

All horses safe and sound and that is the main thing.

Fantastic result

I wonder if the horse on his own couldve won without the jockey??

I'm glad he didn't... Cos it means I did !!! Yay! Auroras encore :D

I like watching the riderless horses.

Some carried on jumping the fences but one or two went round the side but still stayed with the race. Crafty that !

I like Claim's bubble too :)

Very smart of them Maat but then again I've always believed horses to be intelligent creatures.

I'm just glad all the horses are safe and well.

They enjoy it and like to run with the herd.

As has been noted, a couple pulled up so if they don't want to run riderless, they won't!

A horse can also refuse to jump a fence, even with a jockey.

A few did.

Oh, ain;t that the truth, maat stares hard at DHorse.

They enjoy it. In fact, they love it. Horses in any situation, beach ride, horse race, cross country etc love to run, it's usually stopping them that's the problem... They are herd animals And yes, they're more likely to keep running if there's a group, but they're certainly not scared.

I would like to see a race with just riderless horses.

My horse refused a jump today, owes me a bloody fiver