69 replies to this topic

[bionic barrel]

as you fill out your betting slips for your "harmless" flutter today -please take a second to think about the 2 horses killed in last years race and the other 30+ horses killed since 2000 at the great aintree spring festival, thanks. (of course horses just love breaking their necks and been covered with a tarpaulin till the shotgun arrives)

[Johnoco]

Up until a few hours ago, I would have argued against you. But after seeing what happened to Synchronized, I partly agree. There is no way that horse should have ran, it was clearly unhappy but it was impossible to withdraw it due to the amount of money riding on it.
I have always enjoyed a few quid on the horses but will never bet on the horses again. These incredible animals deserve better.

[gingerjon]

I was uncomfortable with Synchronised starting the race and obviously what happened makes it look like some kind of "it was always going to happen" event. I'm not sure that's right but if a horse has a fall immediately prior to a race (if this isn't what happened then apologies) then it must surely be withdrawn from that race - even if it is the favourite.

[l'angelo mysterioso]

I agree with the op

[gingerjon]

I agree with the op

You're okay with rugby players being crippled for your pleasure though

[Bitofaboogie]

You're okay with rugby players being crippled for your pleasure though

I would imagine that the Rugby player's ability to make a choice would in some way mitigate the inhumanity of paying to watch RL.

[Bitofaboogie]

In the build up to the race, Claire Balding spoke to the owners of According to Pete one of whom was quite emotional and obviously very concerned about the whole occasion - Claire told her not to worry and that the horse would have a good run out. I thought to myself at the time that I hoped that nothing untoward was going to happen to the horse - unfortunately fate stuck its oar in.

[bionic barrel]

another 2 dead after yesterdays "entertainment"

[gingerjon]

I would imagine that the Rugby player's ability to make a choice would in some way mitigate the inhumanity of paying to watch RL.

Plenty of players, especially those who only get paid when they play, play when they shouldn't. They may be coerced by team or club pressures, they may just need the money. It's not as simple as free choice.

[bionic barrel]

animals are like children and look to us to protct them and look after their well-being, i hope attitudes change and in 10-15 years time it will be un thinkable as to how we ever treated horses like this for "fun"

[Johnoco]

animals are like children and look to us to protct them and look after their well-being, i hope attitudes change and in 10-15 years time it will be un thinkable as to how we ever treated horses like this for "fun"

But if it did change, those horses would no longer be there. They don't breed them as pets. There's no need to ban horseracing, just ensure the horse comes first. Very difficult where money is involved but as GJ points out, rugby players also damage themselves for our entertainment.

[bionic barrel]

But if it did change, those horses would no longer be there. They don't breed them as pets. There's no need to ban horseracing, just ensure the horse comes first. Very difficult where money is involved but as GJ points out, rugby players also damage themselves for our entertainment.

never mentioned banning horse racing, just this race, or at least make the fences and ditches smaller and safer.

[markleeds]

Getting rid of the fences would help. Also an independent vet should decide whether a horse is fit to race and all bets become null and void with full refunds.

[Johnoco]

never mentioned banning horse racing, just this race, or at least make the fences and ditches smaller and safer.

Sorry just jumping the gun there and assuming you were some sort of bearded liberal type
. I'd agree with the last bit

[bionic barrel]

Sorry just jumping the gun there and assuming you were some sort of bearded liberal type
. I'd agree with the last bit

ill get a shave

[l'angelo mysterioso]

You're okay with rugby players being crippled for your pleasure though

nope

they play because they choose to. I've playted myself.
players tend not to be killed, or be put down when they are injured.

What a silly thing to say. Why would I be ok with that?

[Johnoco]

They may not get shot but many RL players have been seriously damaged by playing when they shouldnt have. (Ian Knott?)

They do have a voice but sometimes have to put up with things like that.

[gingerjon]

Why would I be ok with that?

Because you've no doubt seen a player be seriously injured during a match and gone back regardless to watch a game the following week.

[l'angelo mysterioso]

Because you've no doubt seen a player be seriously injured during a match and gone back regardless to watch a game the following week.

I saw tangi Ropati get his jaw broken yesterday in a game he chose to play in.
people play rugby for pleasure and/or payment. They choose to. I'm not sure how many are killed annually, or if any are put to death, but here are the latest figures for racehorses

.http://www.horsedeathwatch.com/


presumably you are happy with this.

[gingerjon]

presumably you are happy with this.

I'm ambivalent at best.

They're horses. I eat meat from animals treated far worse than a Grand National entrant, I'd be somewhat inconsistent in my thinking if I got worked up.