It's entirely understandable that our North American friends who have limited association with jump racing may see the race as barbarous, but to those of us who have grown up with National Hunt racing it is simply the ultimate test of man and beast. The fences have been made easier in recent years and, whilst there's always the chance of fatality, as a spectacle and a sporting event it's nigh on unmatchable. The Cheltenham Gold Cup may carry more prestige but the uniqueness of the Grand National make it stand out.
As horse racing fans we all accept the risks taken by both horse and jockey, and there will always be unfortunate accidents, this race justifies those risks based on what it provides in terms of sporting narrative, thrilling action and fevered excitement.
I'm off to Aintree for the next three days and will hope, of course, to see no equine deaths, but will accept that, if there are, they have given their lives to help create sporting drama that gives so much to so many.

Just to add to that; the risks taken by the horses allow them to take a place in the heart of the public in Britain and Ireland far more than their counterparts on the Flat. The likes of Red Rum and Desert Orchid (never ran in the Grand National, but won the Irish version off top weight) are far more recognised/loved than any Flat horse.

http://guardian.sportinglife.com/GU_...254835,00.html

Form comments....

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/spo...cle3676744.ece

I remember seeing a pretty good film on a late-night station back in the 80's called "Champions", starring John Hurt as Bob Champion. I'd been waiting forever for it to come out on DVD, to see if it was as good as I remembered. Finally checked on Amazon UK and there it was. :D (Haven't had time to watch it yet.:rolleyes: )

Scott,

I had no idea you were interested in the 'Chases. I've been amazed anytime I've been able to watch the Grand National (it is not frequently broadcast in the U.S.).

Nobody wants to see the horses fall. (I'm usually exhausted after watching the race, because I think I've tried to will each horse over each fence.) I find it truly amazing when some who have fallen get up and continue the race riderless.

Rummy did better than just win it twice in a row. In five years, he won the National twice, ran second twice, then won it again at the age of 12. The greatest National horse ever, he didn't show his best in shorter races with easier fences. Yet he broke his maiden on the flat in April as a 2yo, at the now defunct Aintree flat meet in National week.

Some of those that lose riders just want to gallop along with the herd and cannily run around the fences so they can keep up without the effort. But the ones I love to see are the ones that actually run intelligent races, jump all the fences, and finish in front at the wire. Horses who know what their job is and are willing to do it - gives me a counterargument for those who claim that horses compete only because humans whip them, too.

That is one of the most bizzare articles I have ever read!! That can't be for real.. surely...:(

One of the greatest races in the world. Does anyone know if it can be seen online (free)? Or if any of the ADW sites are showing it?

Youbet has carried it the past few years, but I didn't see it on their schedule.

Racingpost.co.uk will show it for free.

My pick is Simon. :)

I'm inclined to state that this race should be abolished. It is barbaric and cruel. As adults I think we should know better than to support this blood race.

Many thanks.

Great, can't wait!

i like jump racing, but it's hard to find many on t.v. have watched the virginia gold cup a few times on t.v., but it's not in the same league as this.

My thoughts exactly.

The same argument has been made about all horse racing....

But horses have more stability by running on a flat.

The 3 Irish - Slim Pickings Point Barrow and Black Apalachi are for me.. enjoy the race everyone, the most amazing race on the planet....

Same here. Not sure how I feel about it now to be honest.