Horse Racing can be one of the best days out. Great atmosphere, no elitism (despite what you may believe) and plenty to see and do on the day. Hospitality is great, something for everyone and no compulsion to have to bet. Recently returned from a few days in Ireland and went to Fairyhouse Racecourse . A great day - although not too many freebies - plenty of bargain admittance tickets throughout the UK and throughout the year.
The Grand National though has left me quite distressed the whole weekend.
It comes to something when more horses have died in a 15 minute horse race over the last 20 years than Grand Prix racing drivers driving at 200mph for 4 hours at a go (practice / qualifying and the race) and for every other weekend for 6 months. There has to be something done to make this race , a WORLDWIDE institution safer and it has to be done NOW
I watched Saturdays race and then watched ESPN Classic who showed a recording of the 1977 race. EVERYTHING was different. The horses were calm at the start, they all lined up quietly, they even for some reason looked bigger and stronger.
My firm believe is we are living in a GREEDY world when it comes to this race ( I know a lot of money is spent on the day but....) and it may just be that a lot of these horses just simply are either being trained for this race and this race alone and that maybe they just arent ready or suitable for it.
Cut the number of fences by 5 (doesnt have to change the race length)
No more than 30 runners (whats the point in 40 when all 40 will NEVER finish)
Have a stricter entry procedure for the race
My opinion as someone who has always loved this race and loves an institution which we in the UK SHOULD be proud of...