As the 2017 Grand National Meeting came to an end, many of the horses who raced at Aintree would have returned to their stables shaken and sore, with a number carrying injuries from the melee of incidents that took place over the three days of racing.
The Grand National race is the most infamous example of the exploitation and greed that is central to the suffering of horses in racing. Horses are killed every week up and down the country, and yet, little or nothing is done to stem this often hidden tide of animal abuse. Whilst the Grand National continues to be popularised as entertainment by ITV and in other areas of the media, it signifies a lack of respect for the horses who are forced to participate and have their lives put at serious risk.
nimal Aid Horse Racing Consultant, Dene StansallWe were greatly relieved that no horses were killed at the 2017 Grand National Meeting. However, the event remains a barbaric spectacle that uses animals for entertainment and betting. At this year’s meeting, it was down to luck rather than careful planning that no horses were killed. Animal Aid is continuing its call for a ban on the Grand National and all other races that take place on the Grand National Racecourse
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