Grand National

If your not interested in horse racing then you probably dont know its the Grand National this saturday
Its about time a female won so my money is on Katy Walsh on Seabass ( 3rd last year)

Mine invariably dies. Every year I promise myself that I won't have a go as it is like a death sentance for a poor horse, but every year I can't resist.

I like Treacle, Chicago Grey ( good top), Imperial Commander ( my husband loves star wars) and The Rainbow Hunter.

Ahh this takes me back. As a child my grandad used to call up and ask which horses my sister and I liked and put a bet on for us. Think we only won once!

I've only ever bet on horses once, when Tom was little. I was looking at the horse names and saw one that said "Our Tom", I asked my Dad to get his then work mate to put me a whole £1 on lmao. His work mate ribbed me mercilessly, "it's 25-1, its a donkey!" etc etc.
It won.

If I had to choose one this year then for fun I'll back
Gullible Gordon

We should do a for fun NPAA Sweepstake lol

Thanks for the reminder! I'd completely forgotten!

I hate the Grand National...

If if was a driving race where one or two of the competitors died almost EVERY year, it would be banned. But because it's horses, it's ok to run it even in dangerous conditions.

I also have a massive problem with Channel 4's advertising of it this year; when it was on BBC I could ignore it's existence and it was carried out and advertised in a noble, respectful manner but this year it appears that the emphasis is on partying and betting on it, not the horses that are involved.

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I'm gonna get off my soapbox and go now, lol.

kissmenow9 wrote:I hate the Grand National...

If if was a driving race where one or two of the competitors died almost EVERY year, it would be banned. But because it's horses, it's ok to run it even in dangerous conditions.

I also have a massive problem with Channel 4's advertising of it this year; when it was on BBC I could ignore it's existence and it was carried out and advertised in a noble, respectful manner but this year it appears that the emphasis is on partying and betting on it, not the horses that are involved.

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I'm gonna get off my soapbox and go now, lol.

No no, soapbox away I actually agree. I'm not a fan of horse racing at all for that reason. I went to Uttoxeter races last year (something Id never do but my best friend was taken ill so gave me her VIP passes for the day). It was an experience but not one I'd like to repeat, especially as a horse fell in the last race in front of our box and as they drew screens around I felt horrible knowing that it was being put down. Ellie was gutted as well, really put her off and its something that will always stay with us both.

Not a nice sport, much like greyhound racing but I suspect the amount of money that revolves around it will always protect it.

I've always had mixed feelings about the Grand National. I've kind of always felt it was wrong but every year I got caught up in the fuss about it and usually ended up putting a bet or two on. Last year was the final straw for me though. I remember watching Synchronised mucking about before the start, he was refusing to do as he was told, frolicking about and just generally being a naughty boy. I was laughing at him. And then...

I cried, still makes my eyes fill up now thinking about it. I can't watch it again. I wouldn't call for it to be banned and I have no problem with other people enjoying it. I just can't bear to watch that again.