I didn't realise two horses died in Grand National today.

[ladybirder]

That's awful. Does anybody else feel the same?

[ELVIS68]

I agree it is sad when a horse gets injured or killed

[paddywak]

It was Jubie, but I don't think they ever found out just what made it swerve, bit like they never made sense of why Devon Loch went down near the finish of the GN back in the fifties. Now I've really got to go otherwise I'll not want to get up in the morning and I'll be in trouble with the both Boss and the dog

[jubieanna]

lol paddy goodnight

[tamborine]

These horses are worth millions & not put down unless they suffer broken bones, twisted gut, heart attack.

Horses naturally flee in fear and galloping/jumping are natural movements for them; in the wild they would do same if fearful and die agonislingly slowly if injured.

[ganesh]

It happens every year and the owners who 'Truly love their horses' and are not just interested in the money'-lol.This race is particularly dangerous because of the numbers and the extremely high fences,so why do these loving owning owners risk their beloved animals in such a way.And how can everyone be cheering and celebrating at the end-excuse me people-two horses have just died in this race behind you!!!!!!!.
I'.m not saying horses don't love running and racing,but these jumping races are barbaric and they sicken me.They are trained to jump these heights,they would not do it naturally ,and you can't say they would just refuse it if they didn't like it.
I haven't watched it in years but did so yesterday as my husband was in the sweepstake at work and I watched it out of interest. I saw the horses fall and the tents go up.This race should be banned and I shall never watch it again.

[RATTER15]

Well posted Nazz!!!

[starone]

Those figures are awesome Trim-etc, or Naz whoever you are. It was easier to spell when you were Naz. I found them truly distressing and frightening. I never watch horse racing and after this I never shall.

[Frank97]

I must say I feel totally disgusted with myself this morning for having placed a bet on this race! It won't happen again!
I don't even like horses but this is just cruel!

[starone]

I don't watch football either.

[tamborine]

".....slaughtered for meat or repeatedly change hands in a downward spiral of neglect..."

Where do you think HM gets horses for her army, the police, etc. none fit a/m quote. No healthy race horse is put down unnecessarily. Only injured/dead horses are used for meat; every horse is licensed and accountable.

[tamborine]

All stables are vetinary & RSPCA covered.

This film might interest in the life of a race horse

http://en.wikipedia.o...i/Phar_Lap_%28film%29

[sandyRoe]

The horses that are used by the Household Cavalry are routinely put down after the army is finished with them. Most of them would still be fit and healthy.

[Prudie]

I didn't think the army and police use thoroughbreds much, they're too highly strung. I've ridden quite a lot of army horses and none were thoroughbreds. What sandyroe has said is true though. It's called 'casting'.

[tamborine]

Not so Sandy, fit horses are sold on to people like me to be used as domestic hacks.

[sandyRoe]

Tamborine, see Prudie's answer just above yours ^^^

[woofgang]

tamborine that statement is total rollocks. In the main horses are only pampered and cared for while they are worth money and that papmering and caring is by our standards, not the horses. Its not done for their pleasure but to keep them fit to race.
They are bred and taught to race, more or less conditioned to it, they have no idea of how dangerous it is for them so no "choice" as such. Racehorses are a breed apart, totally unsuitable for police and service work.
It particularly make me sick when owners are interviewed and say how much they love the horse and how "terrified" they will be to see it race THEN WHY DO IT???????

"no healthy horse is put down unnecessarily" of course not, not if they are worth more alive :-(

[Kakurol]

these horses are bred for racing, without the racing they wouldn't exist in the first place

[tamborine]

Witness horse pampering here, lots are from race breeding stables and retrained.

http://www.rwhs.co.uk/