2022 Grand National. Are you having a flutter?

The letter in the article is from 1922 Urmstongran and the author was trying to justify the race in a year when there was sheer carnage. Only five horses finished from a field of thirty-two. There were two horses killed. I’m not sure we have come very far in a hundred years. Either way, the fact that horses continue to die with such regularity (and acceptance) tells me the people running the race, and those supporting it, don’t care much for the welfare of the horses forced to take part.

One horse that ends up being destroyed because of this race is one horse too many.

Incredibly cruel.

I don’t gamble and I love horses so Grand National is not for me but each to their own. We are going to our rugby club today it’s going to be a nightmare getting there. All the trains will be prioritised for Aintree.

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Don’t agree with you Umstrongran
its very cruel in fact all horse racing is cruel this one is just more cruel

Make the owners and riders run the race jumping over impossible obstacles, and water that I would watch and add the horrendous tally ho creatures

No I absolutely loath it It’s cruel and should be banned

A viewpoint:

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-grand-national-is-it-cruel-hmrkqhqlq

The course is not impossible nor cruel. There has been something wrong about the race in recent years, but the cruelty does not arise from the jumps or the distance. The cruelty — if it is cruelty — is created by owners who will start horses in the race who are not in any way Grand National horses.

£150,000,000 will be placed on bets today. Quite an industry and some ‘hardworking families’ connected with it will be grateful.

No, not at all interested in any horse racing.

I’m another who hates the cruelty involved in horse racing and in this particular race. I never watch it and certainly wouldn’t place a bet on which of the poor creatures might win.

Yes we will have a flutter I think. I had a look through the runners yesterday but nothing jumped out at me so far.

No.

No I won't be watching or betting. I shall just be dreading the aftermath when you hear whether a horse has been injured or destroyed. It makes me shudder. When you see someone standing by those fences it is horrifying to see the size of them. You don't realise until you see them close up just how high and wide they are.

No. I never do any good. My father was from Listowel sago. Lovely place.

No never. I can't watch the inevitable carnage

No. Horse racing is cruel. Often some poor horse is injured and has to be put down.

I'm on the fence about it. (Pardon the pun)
I wouldn't have minded a flutter this year, but it doesnt seem likely to happen now.

Absolutely not. This race is a disgrace. The jumps are far too high. Those beautiful creatures are forced to race and jump. It must be very distressing for them.

Himself and I both have horses in a sweepstake organised by our favourite local bar. It’s at 5:15pm isn’t it so it doesn’t clash with football these days & to encourage more bets. We might have a wander down for a G&T and to watch the race. Why not? What else are we doing?
?

I fancy Eclair Surf and as an e/w bet Santini. Good luck to all GN 'punters' ?.

Nope.

As a horse lover/owner I intensely dislike horseracing for horse welfare reasons and particularly the almost inevitable carnage that goes with the Grand National, despite attempts over the years to make it safer.

Yes, I always do this in memory of my lovely Mum. She had a thing about the GN and we used to have a little afternoon tea around the proceedings. Great but daft fun in the simplest of ways. My chosen horse is an absolute outsider which is fine and I'll reveal all later!

No, never have and never will. It's cruel and IMO should be banned.

Very cruel race/sport.