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Some good points here from a variety of people.
There is, however, one good thing about Animal Aid – sometimes it’s the only place where I can find out whether a fall was fatal and that fact is something that puts the "pro" racing coverage to shame.
I’m not saying that they should have a big front page listing but racing does need to acknowledge its losses more effectively.
Regarding coverage, there’s probably some truth in the fact that the Topham’s coverage has contributed to the reaction but isn’t that true for many things? It’s one thing to know something happened, or suspect from a fleeting glance, but when you see it laid out in complete clarity it does hit you differently.
It is pretty grim viewing at times, but I have no doubt that the inherent danger of the National fences is part of what makes the races so appealing to a lot of viewers. The bravery, the risk, the glory and yes – the fallers.
The one race I do have a problem with is the Foxhunters as I don’t think it is appropriate for anyone bar the professionals or the very best amateurs to ride over these fences.
TDK, the ‘professionals’ didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory in the Topham yesterday.
Colin
It is a tough course and there will be deaths regardless, but it is pretty obvious that you want the jocks to be as competent as possible – some of the participants in the Foxhunters aren’t up to it.
the national course and some others are nowhere near as harsh as they were years ago … nh jumping is the pinnacle of the sport imo
Watching Tataniano fly over those fences was a great pick-me-up.
Let the good times continue.
BeauRanger
Just correcting a grammatical error in your post ….. nh racing is the pinnacle of ALL sport
My favourite horses - Red Rum, Spanish Steps, Proud Tarquin, Esban, Go-Pontinental, Barona, Charles Dickens, The Dikler, Astbury, Black Secret, Vulgan Town, Huperade, Well To Do, Crisp, Quintus, Argent, Colebridge, Pearl Of Montreal, Nereo, Sonny Somers, Tubs VI, Tartan Ace, Red Candle, L'Escargot, Bula, Beau Bob, Rouge Autumn, Rough Silk, Frodo, Deblin's Green, Prince Tino, Eyecatcher, The Pilgarlic, Captain Christy, Mr Midland, Interview II, Credit Call, My Virginian, Flush Of Diamonds, Scout, Money Ma
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I got slated last time for saying how against The National I am.
Basically my view is as follows;
If your horse has earned its keep and there is no financial pressure then I would not even consider running.
If however the horse is struggling to pay its way then obviously the lure of the worlds 2nd richest jumps race is an option, an option however which would be way way wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy down my list as an owner.
For the life of me I cannot understand why the owners of Ollie Magern are running, surely this horse doesnt have to answer any questions and deserves easier options towars the end of this loyal career?
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Whatever the case fingers crossed they all come back safe. Horses and Jockeys…
I don’t think you mean it this way, Joncol, but the life of every horse is worth the same, regardless of talent.
The National shouldn’t be a race confined to rogues. In fact, I would like to see more top class horses running in the race. It would be magic to see Kauto Star tackle those big fences and it’s such a shame that Exotic Dancer is no longer with us – I’m sure he would have lined up for this contest if he hadn’t passed away.
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"I don’t think you mean it this way, Joncol, but the life of every horse is worth the same, regardless of talent."
yes in an ideal world but horses cost money to keep its a fact of life. It just seems there are a lot of horses being asked to run today in the race that owe their owners nothing in both prizemoney and memories, I dont see why they are going to the well yet again. There is such a thing as retirement.
Do you genuinely think Ollie Magern should be asked to run in it today? Surely as with people that have worked hard all their lives in their jobs there comes a time when enough is enough and they should be allowed to take it easy.
Regarding your comment of every horse is worth the same, I would love if this was the case but again as with people this is simply not true.
Some people have to work 12 hours a day cleaning to make a living whereas a footballer gets paid enourmous amounts of money to play football. As with people, some horses need to work harder (i.e run more often, in harder races to pay their way).
My whole point is where it is not neccesary they should not be asked to run in this race..
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Its just my view and im sure lots of people will disagree thats fair enough.
I suppose my view is slightly altered by the fact that I hate The Grand National full stop.
I love horse racing and believe it to be a fantastic sport but this race is an utter disgrace to those with a horses best interest at heart.
Like a lot of things is is driven by money.
Its just a shame that The National is the 2nd richest jumps race in the world and attracts so many runners.
Just my opinion but I feel racing should take a leaf out of Australia’s book on this one (And I wouldnt often say that) but in Melbourne they have scrapped their version of the race because three horses died in the race (I think last year) 4 or 5 horses will probably die around these fences this year but yet the race will continue to grow.
Just my opinion… I really hate the race
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Having said all that I do realise the commercial importance of the race to the sport and therefore it cannot be scrapped.
But would it hurt to reduce the size of the fences, in fact it might improve the image of the sport if they were to do so..
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Fngers crossed it does look that way. The course and fences however took two lives yesterday..
Reduce the size of the fences, it wont reduce from the spectacle!!!
Joncol:
Reduce the size of the fences and you will have horses moving quicker and more likely to knuckle over and fall.
This is what I would like to see:
1. The course be watered so the going will be at least soft. In this day and age that can be engineered. This will encourage a more gentle pace.
2. Widen the course and the width of the fences, still allowing for run off areas. Maybe it is my memory but the course appears to become narrower every year.
3. I would actually like to see the length of the race extended slightly so they start near the Chair, let the horses get some air inside them and the pace established before tackling the first fence.
4. Simply put the Foxhunters and the Topham are unsafe. This course (imo) was not designed to be jumped by horses whose ideal trip may be 2 and a half miles. At least put the start of those races to in front of what is the 12th and 28th fence in the National.
Craig.
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