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Pied Piper is a horse who I have followed for a long time, and am very fond of. However, I was dismayed to see he has now scraped into the National field for Saturday. He has had heavy falls in his last two races, so I struggle to see how such an arduous test as the National is an appropriate next engagement.
I thought there was some kind of safety panel that assessed the suitability of the National runners? A horse who has had heavy falls in its last two races would seem an odd participant to approve. Many of the other safety rules the BHA have introduced seem unnecessary to me, but this seems an obvious scenario that should be being prevented.
Much like the recent debate around Constitution Hill running in the Champion Hurdle, I think there would be some serious questions to answer if heaven forbid anything happens to him, and it would be a poor look for the sport’s claims that it takes equine welfare seriously.
I note Ain’t That A Shame is fourth reserve, another that probably shouldn’t be in the declarations. He was down for a long time after a tired fall at the last on comeback run at Kelso.
It was right to post that, Marlingford. There are always a few horses with huge question marks behind their declarations. Ain’t That A Shame is another that is rightfully mentioned on this thread.
I also wonder if Mr. Vango is still that much in love with the game let alone the National. His last two runs are hardly inspiring, especially when you know that connections were trying with him.I felt exactly the same. A cliff horse for me but one that scares me every time he runs. But I have to back him as I’d hate not to be shouting him home if he was in contention. Glad he’s not running.
6th in an Ascot Stakes and 2nd in a Ces; I thought he should have been running in good staying hurdles 2 seasons ago; but I suppose the stable were stacked with staying hurdlers.
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