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Should horse racing be banned?

My name is URL

Or at least, should they get rid of jump racing?

Two horses died at the Grand National today. I never actually watch or bet on the sport but just happened to see the race today. Loads of other horses fell while going over the fences. It's a wonder that there were only two fatalities.

Is it worth it? Would the sport not be just as enjoyable if there were no fences? Doesn't make any sense to me to risk the lives of both jockeys and horses by having them jump.

What say you?

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mr.jingle

wonderfulname wrote: »

I was referring more to the intent of the moves though, part of the argument that horse racing should be banned is that it's some form of cruel game where people intentionally profit from harming animals, that really couldn't be further from the truth.

That couldn't be put any better but the so called 'do-gooders' refuse to believe this and think that trainers and jockeys are butcher like humans. Nobody wants to see anything or anyone die but that is life, if it wasn't for horse racing these horse's wouldn't be seen at all and would probably be on a plate in some foreign land as a delicacy in Ireland and the UK they are looked after tremendously well and in some cases even better treated than some humans. I'm sure the head lass and the other staff of these wonderful horse's cried there eyes out just like they would f a relative died it means that much to them

Sheeps

wonderfulname wrote: »

Sheeps should be banned.

no horses are the real problem

My name is URL

calfmuscle wrote: »

Sorry if people don't quite get what Im saying I don't know how to explain it without putting you on a horse lol!

I have ridden horses, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I once rode a horse owned and raced by Bunny Cox around a paddock while hungover. I made a fool of myself though. The horse ran me head long into a fence. I knew then and there that it didn't want me atop of it.. so I jumped off.

mr.jingle wrote: »

Imagine in 1929, 66 horses took part in the National! Now that is crazy

It is. It wouldn't look very good on a graph of how risk management and limitation has been applied to the race over the years, either.

mr.jingle

Just an insight into how a jockey really feels after losing a horse in the National.

http://www.racingpost.com/horses/home.sd?story=1013368

dave3004

Have been involved in horse racing all my life.
It’s a major part of our family. We train and ride horses for generations.

I am going to quash some of the erroneous thoughts and opinions for once and all.

- Horses do want to run and jump. They enjoy it. When they don't, they won't.

- A whip does not hurt a horse. They are designed to make a noise and to keep a horse focussed and concentrated.

- Trainers/Owners/Stablehands love their horses as pets. Nobody is in it for the money. Very very few people make a good living from this sport.

The Grand National needs amendments to it. Lowering fences is not the answer. Race will be run at a quicker tempo and horses will respect the fences less.
I read that near 50% of the fatalies are at Bechers and I can see why. I have atteneded this legendary race and Bechers is a large drop. This needs to be looked at.

The canal turn could also be made less sharp as it can cause congestion and traffic. Lowering the number of runners, coupled with widening the track will also help congestion and let horses see their fences.

Personally, I think the vets at racetracks should do more. I believe their checks need to be more thorough for horses with issues prior to racing. I know there are time constraints but horse welfare is priority.

I feel so bad for According To Pete and connections. A true local home-grown horse was brought down through no fault of his own. I also feel saddened for Synchronised. Hopefully he will be remembered as the Gold Cup winner instead of an Grand National statistic.

Finally, It was great to see Neptune Collonges, who's careeer was overshadowed by Denman/Kauto Star get his limelight which he thoroughly deserved. A classy and game horse he showed heart and bravery in this race.

Horse Racing should not be banned. Jumps racing should not be banned. But the Grand National, which millions tune into every year needs to become a better ambassador for jumps racing than it currently is. Hopefully, the corerct and necessary changes will be made to the race to ensure horse welfare improves. The racign industry wants to improve for the horse's sake, not to pander to the outrage from once-a-year viewers who do not see the inner workings and beauty of an amazing industry.

LH Pathe

Horses for courses

A_Sober_Paddy

I must say that I don't really follow horse racing, but have seen a lot of it in recent months for what ever reason so I've only noticed that a few horses die while racing...

So 3 horses died over the course of the festival(Aintree 2012), out of how many horses?

These horses are treated to the best of care, food and love from there stables, trainers and riders...It is sad when a horse has to be put down to prevent more suffering, but its fair. How many (non racing)horses are owed by people here in Ireland, especially by members of the travelling community, and treated very poorly? Now that's something we should discuss, as it is certainly more relevant, but sure it doesn't sell papers does it...

lisaface

Princess Peach wrote: »

The footballer chose to play the sport knowing risks, the animals aren't given a choice.

Yes, but - the jockeys riding these horses are well aware that these horses could fail & have to be put down. There's your blame party.

I used to think horse racing was evil,then somebody said horses were made for manual labour and such - that it started out like that, i'm not sure how true that is,but it makes me feel alot better. To those of you crying over the horses, how about you cry over some elephants, and other such animals which are infact decreasing and dying out. There will always be another horse, they're not a dying breed, but plenty of other animals are - go cry for them!

mystika121

Excellent article in yesterday's Daily Mail written by vet Emma Milne and not Luke Salkeld (as previously posted!) - although I did like Luke Salkeld's too.

AngryBollix

Princess Peach wrote: »

The footballer chose to play the sport knowing risks, the animals aren't given a choice.

A sh1tty argument. Thats what the horses are reared for

AngryBollix

lisaface wrote: »

Yes, but - the jockeys riding these horses are well aware that these horses could fail & have to be put down. There's your blame party.

I used to think horse racing was evil,then somebody said horses were made for manual labour and such - that it started out like that, i'm not sure how true that is,but it makes me feel alot better. To those of you crying over the horses, how about you cry over some elephants, and other such animals which are infact decreasing and dying out. There will always be another horse, they're not a dying breed, but plenty of other animals are - go cry for them!

People used to breed horses for farmwork and other related items.

With the advent of agricultural machinery there was no need to breed these horses to the same degree.

The exact same fate awaits the race horse if a ban is placed on horse racing.

Banning horse racing is a silly argument as it will never happen. Theres far too many benefits and too much money involved.

Sykk

wonderfulname wrote: »

Sheeps should be banned.

Life should be banned.

kfallon

mystika121 wrote: »

Excellent article in yesterday's Daily Mail written by vet Luke Salkeld.

Oh. My. Lord. :rolleyes:

Show Time

As long as i am winning on 33/1 odds with one hundred euro down than all is good.

44leto

I think Dressage should be banned, because it is cruel to watch.

mystika121

44leto wrote: »

I think Dressage should be banned, because it is cruel to watch.

If badly done then it's cruel for the spectators to watch!

I take your point though - rollkur should be banned.

I Heart Internet

No but the UK Grand National is particularly brutal on horses and jockies. Let us have a race - not a crowded, dangerous scramble.

davet82

nothin wrong with horse racing, leave it be

44leto

Why can't they train the horses to run like greyhounds and then the jockeys would be safe. Chase a carrot instead of a hare.

davet82

44leto wrote: »

Chase a carrot instead of a hare.

do horses like carrots even? maybe let them chase the jockeys, would be more interesting too

wonderfulname

Because they're too smart for that, you'd have an easier time convincing the jockeys to run around after a tenner on a stick for our amusement.

davet82

wonderfulname wrote: »

you'd have an easier time convincing the jockeys to run around after a tenner on a stick for our amusement.

put me down for a fiver on ruby walsh

44leto

davet82 wrote: »

do horses like carrots even? maybe let them chase the jockeys, would be more interesting too

Good idea,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIIAQME1Uhg

NoelJ

This is a heartbreaking image.. Such a sad thing. It shows how much the jockeys care.

Born to Die

NoelJ wrote: »

This is a heartbreaking image.. Such a sad thing. It shows how much the jockeys care.

What was the story behind this pic, thanks.

Nulty

My name is URL wrote: »

I don't want to dwell on this point too much, but.. isn't that why the jockey is there? To control the horse and guide it at an ideal speed and in an ideal position to win or at least finish the race?

37% finished yesterday.. that's absurd.

It nothing new. 23 is the record number of finishers. Thats 57.5% the first year the limit was set at 40.

Nulty

Born to Die wrote: »

What was the story behind this pic, thanks.

http://www.balls.ie/2012/04/16/paddy-brennan-comforts-synchronised-moments-before-it-was-euthanised/

Thats Synchronised. You can see his off hind leg is swollen.

kellybutler

feel so sad when the horse falls

Kerrydude1981

Dont think Horse Racing should be banned,2 horses died in Saturdays Grand National and as Ted Walsh said in the paper three horses died in a flat race in Dubai and it never made the news,its just because its the Grand National so their is going to be a big thing in the media about what happens in the race,horses do get injured and have to be put down same can be said about greyhounds so should greyhound racing be banned as well?? They will probably reduce the number of horses in the Grand National and they did modify some of the jumps this year

Worztron

An emphatic YES.

People that bet on horse racing are validating animal cruelty.