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I believe the subject “Should horse racing be banned” was discussed on this character’s show yesterday. I did not see it but it sounds that one of his guests – Kevin Maguire of the “Daily Mirror” – did speak up for racing.
Nevertheless, the idea of a ban was still discussed on a programme fronted by one of the most prominent journalists in the country.
At the moment, National Hunt racing is safe because it is still a popular sport. But that cannot be guaranteed to last, especially if the quality of the sport in this country continues to decline and the older generation dies out.
There will also in all likelihood be a new government later this year which will be in power for a decade. It is unlikely to be friendly to racing.
Is it time to ban horse racing?
Two horses suffered fatal injuries on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival.
According to Animal Aid, 75 horses have died during the event since 2000.
What do you reckon?@LucyBeresford | @Kevin_Maguire | @theJeremyVine | #JeremyVine pic.twitter.com/SnPQsNeI8s
— Jeremy Vine On 5 (@JeremyVineOn5) March 13, 2024
They always wheel that debate out around Cheltenham or the GN. I expect they wait to see if any horses died at Cheltenham then push the button. If no horses die on the first 3 days they leave it on the shelf and pull it down for the Grand National.
Am image advertising the debate is always of a jockey with whip aloft to trigger the “whipped to DEATH” btl type comments.
Talksport debated Cheltenham this morning , more on a point of punters not getting value for money , one fella who’s been going for 35 years was booked for all 4 days is on his way home this morning , hes stated it’s changed badly since going to 4 days and he wants the best horses competing against each other ( to many novice grade 1s ) , a local taxi driver stated the local businesses were also taking the piss , I did hear someone on the breakfast show say that Cheltenham town centre was very quiet last night !!
Pick 3 on Saturday champion 2025/2026
Sports minister on rtv just now …. He doesnt get it does he
Pick 3 on Saturday champion 2025/2026
For those who didn’t see it, can you elaborate on what the Sports Minster didn’t get, please HDLG? (ie what did he say?)
He was getting pressed on the new gambling regulations , i e did he not understand how they would effect racing and the money in the sport and the jobs at risk , it’s funny how the government won’t regulate alcohol or fags
Pick 3 on Saturday champion 2025/2026
…aka THe Argument In An Empty Room Show. This programme is about one thing, Jeremy Vine being Jeremy Vine’s biggest fan.
He really has become an irritating git. As you say vine promoting himself. The headline gets the looney callers and of course doesn’t reflect actual public opinion. So tedious and annoying but the sum total of tv today.
Isn’t the current minister for “sport, media, culture etc” Lucy Frazer, or was that last week? I know there’s one hell of a churn on these grifters so struggle to keep up to date sometimes.
No fallers today, three fallers yesterday, two fallers on Wednesday, two fallers on Tuesday.
Two extremely unlucky fatalities on Tuesday and that was it. If you look at the entire picture, you have say it was a very safe Festival and no further measures to be taken. A lot of jockeys rather pulled up than asking their horses unnecessary questions (just think of El Fabiolo) and jumping an obstacle has become overall a lot safer as the numbers prove it.I think there was also no faller at the fourth last over the New Course, which is also quite remarkable.
Question is: when was NH racing safer than nowadays?
And I’m not talking about the fatal breakdowns you have due to a poor breed. They happen even with no obstacles around.
Yes, it was striking how few fallers there were. Maybe horses are better schooled nowadays but the fences must have been softened up as well.
The heavy ground probably helped. Races had to be run at a fairly steady pace.
Fairly noticeable how slower the pace was in most races. Sensible from the jockeys in that going.
“A lot of jockeys rather pulled up than asking their horses unnecessary questions (just think of El Fabiolo)”
100% agree, was really glad to see him PU. It was also pleasing to see a couple of the proper amateurs (not just the shamateurs) PU in the Foxhunters rather than soldiering on just to say they’d got round; and all of them rode sensibly and went a nice even pace. I would say Ian is right- the overall standard is better amongst the hyphenated than it used to be.
That’s certainly my impression, GAG.
The traditionalists don’t like it and miss the old corinthian spirit – but I never liked seeing such jockeys cutting their often-exhausted horses in half in a pointless race for, say, sixth place.
I remember once being down at the last at Leicester’s Hunters’ Chase meeting in the 1980s when a tired driven animal basically collapsed into the fence and lay winded for some minutes afterwards.
The punters all cheered with relief when it got to its feet, but they then turned on the rider and gave him absolute dog’s abuse as he trudged up the run in to the changing room.
More professional approaches from the modern riders leads to both better equine welfare and punters getting a more competent ride for their money when they have a bet.
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"“Fairly noticeable how slower the pace was in most races. Sensible from the jockeys in that going.”
Is there a jockeys’ briefing on Monday night the way there is for three day event riders?
I wonder if they got a stern warning after the usual mild “Please don’t dick about at the start too much or you’ll all get a day or two for making fools of us” along the lines of
” remember, the world is watching, if any fool drags them along at a million miles an hour and finishes legless we will go through them for a shortcut and you can go on a fortnight’s sun holiday at Easter. And anyone stupid enough to get a whip ban- especially on telly- will get the top end and will have their card marked for a looong time.”Without getting too political I reckon 95% of trainers, owners and jockeys vote Tory ……. yet they don’t seem able or willing to put pressure on to change the policy which those self same owners, trainers and jockeys say will harm the sport
They should be organising campaigns to unseat the Tory MPs who represent the racing and training centres
Threaten to put up Pro-Racing Independent candidates in Newmarket, Lambourn, Middleham etc
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