Grand national

I hate even thinking about it. One horse dying is one too many - all for greed and profit.

The numbers are not that small granjura. Animal Aid documented and confirmed 131 horses killed in races in 2013, and 160 in 2014. That's around 3 each week, which I find shocking. They acknowledge that the true figures are likely to be higher, as they are difficult to obtain.

The horses that die in the races is a very small number, just the tip of the iceberg- it is what happens before and after those horses become potential winners (those are VERY well looked after as they make money, kudos and glory)...

The horses carry on in the race even if they unseat their rider because they are herd or 'pack' animals and it is instinct. Nothing to do with enjoying it. How often to we see horses jumping in and out of their fields just to have fun ?

They may have all survived (but I'm not sure that's confirmed yet) but one horse, Seedling, died in the first race at Aintree this morning. He was six years old.

Animal Aid have a website 'Racehorse Deathwatch' which gives information about racehorses killed during races. It is very depressing reading.

It's only in recent years that some horses appear to be distressed at the end of the race. I don't think there was excessive use of the whip but I had my eyes fixed on Mike Tindall's horse making a run from the back.

It's not nice to see a horse close to exhaustion though.

I am also with Ginny I cannot watch it because I think it is cruel as is all horse racing.

with ginny and others - the reality of horse racing is just too awful for words, sorry.

...because they are loving it so much!

@Mishap - I notice that once loose, having deposited the jockey somewhere, most of the horses carry on and finish the course!

The winner was ok after they'd sprayed him with water and got the vet out. I thought he was going to collapse at the end and I guess the jockey did, too, as he soon got off him. I think the jockey would have done better to stay with the horse, partly because he looked a bit stupid walking into the winner's enclosure without his mount, but also because it would have shown that he did care about the poor nag. I first thought he must have been told to walk away to keep to the TV schedule but wouldn't it have made better TV if he'd stayed with the horse and shown some concern for it?

I'm with ginny - I know nothing about horse racing, but it seems very cruel. Too many too high jumps - I cannot believe the horses enjoy it - and they fall and break their legs/necks just so we can have a flutter. Hmm. And I'm not even a great animal lover - but it just seems cruel.

But I understand that there were no serious injuries this year thank goodness.

I think it's disgraceful that the horse is so spent it can't be ridden into the winner's enclosure. Not the first time this has happened.

I also have a bet on Gas Line Dude, which was 50 to 1 yesterday and is now showing as 125 to 1 (fortunately I did get best odds)! This is the name that "spoke to me". And this is probably the very definition of throwing one's money down the nearest drain.

Oh my goodness, I've only just realised why this is down as a dormant thread! I have a bet on Night in Milan and DD1 has gone for Montbeg Dude so I was thinking this was about today's race. I was fretting about Tegan's comment that my horse probably wouldn't be running.

I have to agree Iam. I will be out in the garden with my fingers in my ears going 'la la la la' till I find out afterwards whether they're all back safe and sound.

Yes, it's today!

Shutthefrontdoor?

Rainbow Hunter?

When I was little, my gran had a set of what would now be called shot glasses, with a picture of every grand national winner up to the mid 1950's on the glass. We were that classy!
I love horses, used to ride till arthritis got too much in the way about 10 years ago. I stopped betting on the national, even joining the sweep at work, about the same time. I haven't watched for years either. I can't get beyond feeling the field is simply too big, and that serious injury to jockeys and horses are almost inevitable.
I'll stop there. I don't want to put a dampener on people's enjoyment, each to their own. I love show jumping, 3 day events etc, and they aren't exactly risk free are they

Actually Night in Milan only needs 4 to come out and he'll get a run. It's looking promising. He's rated as highly as the horses at the top of the weights and a lot of my racing chums really fancy him.

I will not be placing any bets. I can't bear to watch it.

I doubt if they do Best odds on the National. they get everyone to place their bet and then a couple of minutes before the race they pull all the prices in. They're very naughty.

Some of the bookies such as William Hill, Bet 365 etc do best odds guaranteed. So if it is say, 16/1 when you put the best on, but it drifts to 20/1 and comes in at that price, you get the better odds.

I definitely agree with Tegan I always do each way. A friend does about 6 bets in the National, all small amounts and all each way, and she usually comes out up on the day.

I have picked many winners but never backed one

Monbeg Dude. Night in Milan probably won't get into the race so make sure you back it 'no runner no bet'. And take a price on them cause the bookies will bring the price in on the day. It might drift out but it's unlikely. And best to back each way so if it comes in the first 4 you'll be paid.

Monthbeg dude!

I've have to place tomorrow as I'm sitting in the tribunal and there's a betting shop next door.

Ideas please!