Am I the only one who doesn't agree with horse racing?

Most of the horses in the Grand National will have been backed at similar ages to most pleasure or sport horses - NH horses, particularly big chaser types tend to be "stores" and as such don't get backed young. French bred jumpers might get backed a bit younger, hurdlers that were flat racers might have got backed young, but very few flat bred horses would be tough enough to go chasing. So early backing isn't a reason to be against the Grand National. I don't particularly like flat racing - racing at 2 is too young. NH is a lot more natural.
 
humblepie said:
On the BBC's coverage today of Aintree they were behind the scenes at a yard and a grey racehorse who is in the Grand National was having a roll in a very muddy field with no rug on, resulting in one very muddy grey horse for someone to wash off.
Click to expand...

that was lucinda russels horse, silver by nature. Her horses are treated so well, and are so loved. I know many people with horses from her. She puts effort into re-homing them and mostly they come schooled, having hunted and are sane.
This is the horse my money is on tomorrow. The main thing is that they all come home safe.

Where is all the stuff coming from about drugs and no turnout etc. Most trainers know that the horse will perform better if they are happy.
These horses have racing in their blood, they love it, it is what they do, they are athletes. I don't agree with the wastage and I hate to see any of them being hurt of course, but that can happen in any equestrian sport.

My ex racehorse is in her 20's now and has a few blemishes and i little bit of arthritis but she is still going strong.
 
If you dont like racing you dont like racing full stop. I do love NH not flat, so for me I'm in 7th heaven watching Aintree and looking forward to the last nh at Sandown. I promise not to push my likes or dislikes on to you if you promise the same back.:):):):):)
 
I don't follow racing closely but I do enjoy watching the big races like the gold cup and the national. For me these horses are the ultimate athletes and it is amazing to watch them perform.

I will watch the race this afternoon and have my fingers crossed all the way through that all the horses come home safely. Sadly horses die in every discipline but it is worth remembering that these horses are well looked after - they don't know what its like to go without food or shelter. The increase in horses being neglected or abandoned at the moment is far more of a welfare issue than horse racing.
 
I always used to hate racing but since working in a racing yard (just a small one) i have realized maybe i judged the industry unfairly.
The yard i work in is small only about 30 horses and a small team of staff. The horses are all very happy and laid back. We turn out most days as long as its not tipping down they also hack round the fields to chill out instead of only galloping.They want for nothing (including attention and cuddles!)
I worry like a old mother when they go racing and we are all relieved when they come home safe!
Good homes are priority to any retiring horse and its very sad to see them leave.
Perhaps my experience is not the most realistic i assume big busy yards probably just dont have the time to treat the horses as we do.

The Grand National I dont like. If so many deaths occurred in a certain 3 day event questions would be asked and things changed.
 
teagreen said:
To clear some things up:

Every horse you see in the race tomorrow will get turned out, or have had the option to be. In fact, last year's winner Don't Push It likes to LIVE outside. They are no cooped up in stables 24/7 living dark, abused lives. They are treated like kings. Take a trip up the public footpath by Jonjo O'Neills place and you will see them out enjoying themselves.

Performance enchancing drugs are banned in racing. Instances of them being used are very few and far between, you won't find any horses on them tomorrow.

Whoever said that the higher up the race, the less value the horse is is talking nonsense. The big trainers love their horses, as do their owners - look at Clive Smith and Kauto, Hemmings etc etc. An excellent example is Monets Garden.


The GN is becoming a better and better race, with better horses, better safety and better policing. Obviously it is still a risky race, however it is safer than it has ever been. It is a big, wide course, with chutes for the loose horses, excellent first aiders and obviously a very dedicated vet team. I understand why people don't want to watch it, but the problem with it is that it's a very public race and therefore people who don't really know what they'e talking about like to butt in and have their say, mostly influenced by Animal Aid who seem to rejoice in every equine death and hate a death-free grand National, the more grizzly the story and pictures the better for them. The ground is to be watered tonight and will be perfect tomorrow.
Click to expand...

At last someone who is talking some sense.
 
Its not that the horses are not cared for as its clear that they are by lookin
g at them its that during the GN they race too many horses at once
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top