The Grand National at Aintree

[Pedigree Ann]

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

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.

Saw another one in the first race today, a listed handicap hurdle. Poquelin, one of the fancied runners, dumped top jock Ruby Walsh along with his bridle early on, hugged the rail in mid-pack, made his move on the final turn, and took the lead off the final hurdle, holding the official winner off by a length all the way to the wire. He was even banged into the inner rail at one point, but that didn't bother him at all; he had a race to win!

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

Saw another one in the first race today, a listed handicap hurdle. Poquelin, one of the fancied runners, dumped top jock Ruby Walsh along with his bridle early on, hugged the rail in mid-pack, made his move on the final turn, and took the lead off the final hurdle, holding the official winner off by a length all the way to the wire. He was even banged into the inner rail at one point, but that didn't bother him at all; he had a race to win!

LOL

Too bad he dumped his jock!