CosmicHotspur
Better a wag than a WAG
- Aug 14, 2006
- 51,069
- 22,383
This time they didn't fall, but collapsed and died after running the four mile Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
I'm not advocating an end to horse racing, and I know that won't happen, but four miles is obviously far too long for any race, especially one over fences, and most certainly some of the fences are treacherous and changes need to be made to make racing less dangerous and less of a strain on the horses.
I take part in our SC v-betting for the major meetings and get really upset when horses are injured or die, more so than when the jockeys are hurt as they do at least have a choice and know the possible consequences. We aren't betting real money (although obviously some SCers are placing bets too elsewhere) so we don't do any harm in the way of supporting the sport financially and we enjoy the friendly competition and the banter so I'm not sure why I feel guilty anyway, but somehow I do feel torn and as though I'm being hypocritical - because I love animals and don't eat them I suppose.
I feel really strongly that big races like the Grand Nationals have to be shorter, perhaps with a two and a half or three mile limit on any race and that fences have to be made as safe as possible or that otherwise all horse racing should be done on the flat. It would still be an exciting sport and much more enjoyable (for me) if there were no injuries or fatalities. As an aside, I would also ban whips.
Seeing a beautiful racehorse in full flight is a wonderful thing but not if its life is brought to a tragic end.
I'm not advocating an end to horse racing, and I know that won't happen, but four miles is obviously far too long for any race, especially one over fences, and most certainly some of the fences are treacherous and changes need to be made to make racing less dangerous and less of a strain on the horses.
I take part in our SC v-betting for the major meetings and get really upset when horses are injured or die, more so than when the jockeys are hurt as they do at least have a choice and know the possible consequences. We aren't betting real money (although obviously some SCers are placing bets too elsewhere) so we don't do any harm in the way of supporting the sport financially and we enjoy the friendly competition and the banter so I'm not sure why I feel guilty anyway, but somehow I do feel torn and as though I'm being hypocritical - because I love animals and don't eat them I suppose.
I feel really strongly that big races like the Grand Nationals have to be shorter, perhaps with a two and a half or three mile limit on any race and that fences have to be made as safe as possible or that otherwise all horse racing should be done on the flat. It would still be an exciting sport and much more enjoyable (for me) if there were no injuries or fatalities. As an aside, I would also ban whips.
Seeing a beautiful racehorse in full flight is a wonderful thing but not if its life is brought to a tragic end.
