to have had a bet on the Grand National when I'm not sure I approve of the risk to the horses?

[grovel]

The Druid's Nephew at 14 to 1. The race will be on the TV here whether I like it or not.

At least two down this year Fucking HATE the whole fucking thing.

FUCKING bastards.

Has it finished? I am watching Sky-Andy & kim's wedding.

Well done Leighton Aspell great ride back to back Nationals, fab!

marvellous, yes stuff the ones who died.

Did any die? I know there was an incident at second Canal Turn not got full details

I know a bit about horse racing due to family connections and I can tell you that race horses are treated very very well. Also Red Rum was stabled not far from me during his retirement and he lived in better conditions than some humans that I know of.

Dont bite noPsipsina, its what she wants.

Just awful. What surprises me is how many people still think it's ok to support this barbaric event. Bollocks have they made it safer. There is a lot more they could do but won't. It's the danger that keeps these sick wealthy pricks interested.

There are far less cruel ways to spend your betting money OP.

Horse who fell at Canal Turn is up and okay!!! Great News!

Lol at those who 'hate' it.... Wonder what they are actively doing about it?

I think maybe Balthazar King might have had to be put down. He fell at the canal turn and as he got up he was clattered by another horse, then he couldn't get up. When they went round again, the screens were up around him

Enlightened, two fell at canal turn, are they both ok? It looked bad

If you don't approve of it, don't bet on it or watch it. Personally I hate it.

It's like saying that people killing dogs for food in Korea is cruel and then visiting Korea and asking for poodle chow mein.

Trying to educate those who don't 26.

Ignore my earlier post, Balthazar king is ok. Phew.

yes it seems all ok. Was a bit worried myself when they bypassed Canal Turn but sometimes horses can be down a while if winded.

TBH I'm not a supporter of horse or greyhound racing so I don't bet on any races. I've signed a lot of petitions but not gone to any anti-racing rallies or turned up at Aintree with a hand-painted sign.

No, they are up. I saw the falls and the tents and thought the worst.

Well thank God for that. I still fucking hate what they put the horses through.

Thanks Enlightened. I know nothing about horses so assumed (thankfully wrongly) that if the screens are up around a horse then it must be bad news. Relieved they are all ok.

For anyone who may still be in doubt about whether to support this 'sport' or not, this website may help.
www.horsedeathwatch.com/

It's not just the fallers which can die. Some suffer heart attacks after finishing the race because of the strain on their bodies. There is so much more to it than what we see on the TV. Convenient not to report it though.

Lol at those who 'hate' it.... Wonder what they are actively doing about it?

Really? What do you propose we 'do' about it?

kinky well maybe people don't need educating? Maybe they make a choice to bet/attend/support etc and are in possession of all the facts already?

In terms of not seeing the behind the scenes stuff they had cameras filming Many Clouds getting attention and being washed down, it was all very open, fair play.

I make the choice to bet on it - the kids do too.

It's a risky sport but an absolute way of life for some people. I understand the objections but I think the positives outweigh the negatives.

Many Clouds looked pretty distressed at the end of the race, he looked ready to collapse, but they soon sorted him out, cooling him and walking him round. The vet was there.