Do horse deaths at Aintree make you feel uncomfortable about betting on the National?
Posted by inside12volts@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 189 comments
As above. Another death today (the winner). I would typically have a punt of the Grand National for a bit of fun but the scenes today are making me think twice about it. Where do you stand?
doop00@reddit
Yes. Being bred to do something doesn't mean you find it enjoyable what ever species you are.
EvilTaffyapple@reddit
I don’t bet on it because it’s barbaric.
It’s 2026 - we don’t need to race animals for sport.
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
The kind of people who hate horse racing also tend to be the kind of people who hate cars...
EvilTaffyapple@reddit
What?
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
What do you think the Venn diagram of people who agree with 'Ban horse racing' and people who agree with 'Ban ICE vehicles', '15 minute cities', 'Low-traffic neighbourhoods', etc. looks like? Because it's probably just a circle.
glasgowgeg@reddit
What's wrong with having all your amenities available within a 15 minute walk/cycle of your home?
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
Nothing. But every major British city (London, Manchester, Liverpool, etc.) already is a 15 minute city. We're not America. "Car dependency" is not a problem we have in this country. We don't have the kind of car-centric infrastructure you would find in somewhere like Phoenix or Houston in the US. Cities like that are where I would hear a "15 minute city" proposal and think, "Oh, cool, they're tackling a real problem".
The reason people are suspicious of 15 minute city initiatives is because they're hearing "We're going to solve a problem your city already doesn't have" and are rightly suspicious that it's a Trojan Horse for something else.
glasgowgeg@reddit
Why bring it up like a thing that's unreasonable to support then?
And what about those who don't live in a major British city?
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
When Oxford city council started using the phrase, what it actually entailed was the following:
That's what listening to people calling for '15 minute cities' in a city where all your amenities are already available within a 15 minute walk or cycle of your home looks like. It's not what they're actually advocating for, because no one needs to advocate for it when it's already the case.
The only places in Britain where you would truly struggle without a car would be the countryside. I'm not sure how exactly you make everything accessible within a 15 minute walk to someone who lives on a sheep farm in the Outer Hebrides.
glasgowgeg@reddit
That's Oxford city council referring to their traffic filter scheme, not a "15 minute city", and the LSE specifically pointed out the misrepresentation of the Telegraph on reporting on it here.
Again, not about 15 minute cities.
You wouldn't struggle if you had to walk 30+ minutes to get everything, but sub-15 minutes is better.
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
If I've been misinformed on this then fair enough. I still don't think it's a particularly useful phrase or political goal in a British context.
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
When Oxford city council started using the phrase, what it actually entailed was the following:
That's what listening to people calling for '15 minute cities' in a city where all your amenities are already available within a 15 minute walk or cycle of your home looks like. It's not what they're actually advocating for, because no one needs to advocate for it when it's already the case.
The only places in Britain where you would truly struggle without a car would be the countryside. I'm not sure how exactly you make everything accessible within a 15 minute walk to someone who lives on a sheep farm in the Outer Hebdrides.
EvilTaffyapple@reddit
I’ve literally not got any idea what you’re talking about.
What has animal cruelty got to do with any of that? What the hell are you even taking about?
It’s like you’ve come in to a random thread and started an argument about a completely different conversation.
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
The implication: "We don't need to race animals for sport, because we can race motor vehicles instead" (i.e, Formula One is a replacement for the Grand National). It's a reasonable interpretation of your comment - the obvious one, really.
Limp-Vermicelli-7440@reddit
That’s not a reasonable interpretation at all. We don’t need to race animals for sport is enough of a statement.
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
So why did they mention "it's 2026"? Why else would they include that in the comment?
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
I apologise, I thought you were making a more intelligent and meaningful point that you actually were. My mistake.
CountTruffula@reddit
That's a different person
Limp-Vermicelli-7440@reddit
What do they say? When you assume, you make an ass out of u and me.
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
If you didn't mean "we don't have to race animals for sport anymore, because we have motorsports", then why mention the fact 'it's 2026'? What else was that doing in your comment?
daxnofax@reddit
these are all good things. and why are you bringing up ICE in a uk thread? jog on yank
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
Internal combustion engines...
magicmuggle@reddit
Just to reply to this. I think you’re mistaken anyway. People who are animal rights supporters are more likely to support low traffic neighbourhoods. Unless that’s what you mean, in which case, what an odd gripe to have.
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
I'm not sure how my comment could be taken any other way.
rybnickifull@reddit
The only people I hear mentioning any of the last three are Male Online types who've been radicalised by Facebook
Beartato4772@reddit
Ah youre one of those kooks that thinks 15 minute cities are prisons, that explains it.
bigbadbassline92@reddit
What a stupid take lol. Why would someone be against horse racing then be against racing cars? At least the cars aren't sentient beings that are exploited for their attributes then discarded when they're all used up. Crazy how you conflated those 2 things and thought you had a point 😂
Wind-and-Waystones@reddit
The argument is "environmentalists care about animals and care about lowering pollution. We should hate them for that"
It's quite the room temperature iq take
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
Let's go back to what OP originally said:
The implication: "In the year 2026, we don't need to race animals for sport". Why don't we need to race animals for sport? Because we have vehicles with engines.
I was simply pointing out that people who have a problem with horse racing also tend to have a problem with ICE vehicles, and cars more generally. That's all. Don't really see how that was worth the massive pile-on I received in this thread, never seen people on Reddit get so worked up over an off-hand comment.
And it doesn't help when half the people responding to me can't even correctly parse what I said.
DiscoVeridisQuo@reddit
What’s barbaric about it?
quellflynn@reddit
racing animals, is fine. but their well being should be taken care of.
much like police dogs... id say the people would be kinda upset if they just popped them in the head on their 6th birthday!
ams3000@reddit
Absolutely. Horrendously cruel.
neilm1000@reddit
is it unpleasant? Yes. Am I concerned? No.
ThanksIHateIt1994@reddit
If you bet on horse racing, you are actively supporting animal cruelty, and I am 100% judging you. Sorry not sorry.
unseemly_turbidity@reddit
If you're vegan, then that's a position I absolutely respect. If you're saying that and then eating meat, then I am judging you incredibly hard right now.
ThanksIHateIt1994@reddit
I don't eat meat if you really must know.
Rekyht@reddit
I feel awful now 😞
Anubis1958@reddit
Yes, indeed. I have refused to bet or be part of a sweepstake on the Grand National for over 20 years.
Willthisusernamebe3@reddit
Over a billion animals slaughtered per year in the UK alone, so only the most highest and holy apparently.
cheeseley6@reddit
The whole gambling industry is toxic.
Mediocre-Opinion@reddit
My best friend's sister works in the gambling industry, her entire job is to basically buy off politicians every time regulating the industry is brought up. Some of the stuff she's told us is wild.
hairychris88@reddit
It's depressing how cheap it is to buy off individual politicians. It feels like one day at the races/football in the posh seats is all it takes.
TruthfulRepugnance@reddit
I think having your snout in the trough is the primary allure of the job these days. It's certainly an argument for paying them better (along with harsher pe allies gor corruption)
super_sammie@reddit
That’s not fair…. Some needed to go to Epstein island
YQB123@reddit
Please share
Sorry_Leopard9657@reddit
we need to hear about stuff like this, it's our only hope
Phenomenomix@reddit
A friend of mine worked in a few betting shops.
They used to have a regular who was diabetic, he’d be in from opening to lunchtime and normally back after an hour or two until close just pouring money into the fixed odds machine and putting a few bets on. My mate’s manager asked why this guy was leaving every day at the same time, mate explained that he had to go do his blood sugar and eat something. Manager arranged for him to be allowed to use the staff toilets and started selling mars bars so the guy didn’t have to leave.
People who excluded themselves from one shop would be allowed/encouraged to go to another shop and bet there.
TruthfulRepugnance@reddit
No interest in horse racing (or gambling in general) at all. Those that choose to bet on it, it's between them and their conscience whether it's a justifiable thing to do. It's not my place to castigate them.
Plenty_Suspect_3446@reddit
No. I don't bet on the grand national. But if I did it still wouldn't make me uncomfortable because they were born to race and without it they would never be bred in the first place.
Particular_Meeting57@reddit
No.
Living things die all the time whatever they do.
tannercolin@reddit
TIL horses get whipped to death in horse racing
Fucking disgusting behaviour
Beartato4772@reddit
A few years ago they literally sued organisers to be allowed to whip them more.
Beartato4772@reddit
On the plus side while the "horse lovers" are downvoting facts, that's time they can't spend whipping horses to death.
afsfc@reddit
I get why it makes people uncomfortable, but I don’t think it automatically means the whole sport is cruel.
There’s also a bigger picture people often don’t realise as racing supports a huge rural economy. Trainers, stable staff, vets, farriers, transport, feed suppliers… loads of jobs depend on it, especially in areas where there aren’t many alternatives.
Most racehorses are actually looked after incredibly well. They’ve got grooms with them every day, regular vet checks, physio, proper nutrition etc. Their whole routine is built around keeping them healthy and in top condition. They’re not just raced and forgotten about, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes between races.
That said, I’m not blindly defending everything. I’d 100% be in favour of banning the whip and I support the 2024 changes to the national to make it.
I still enjoy the sport and will have a bet, but I think it’s more about improving welfare as much much as possible and being realistic about the risks, rather than just writing the whole thing off as cruel.
Acrobatic-Shirt8540@reddit
I won't even take part in the work sweepy. I can't condone it in any way.
How does the winner of a race die?
Beartato4772@reddit
Crawled over the line having had its back broken landing hard with a sack of shit on its back who should never again know peace whipping it to force it to do so.
Acrobatic-Shirt8540@reddit
I looked it up after I posted. Horrific.
BrotherClive@reddit
I don't particularly like it, but I don't care enough to not bet on it.
spectator_mail_boy@reddit
You can't just "ban" it because people will continue to do it, better to keep it legal and tax it right?
inside12volts@reddit (OP)
Don’t really know. Wasn’t proposing a ban.
BubblerSpesh@reddit
Could not give the slightest of fucks tbh. I don’t bet on the horses ever but a family tradition exists to have a punt on that day. Everyone picks a name, maybe someone gets lucky. It’s a bit of fun for us. I don’t really care all that much about animals, if I’m honest. Like I don’t want to see them hurt directly but as part of something like this I don’t really know on balance if it’s good nor bad, and I’m not interested in finding out. I know I will be downvoted by animal lovers. I often find animal lovers the most mean spirited people when it comes to their attitudes to fellow humans, their love for beasts that couldn’t give a toss about them seems often to be a substitute for the love they don’t have for their fellow people, they’re so often social misfits
glasstraxx@reddit
Wait till you post something about catching mice with glue traps. I'll see myself out.
BubblerSpesh@reddit
Funny enough I had mice a few years ago. Caught them all with non lethal methods and released them miles away. So I guess I’m a) a hypocrite and b) not completely evil
KingPing43@reddit
What a pointless circle jerk of a post
inside12volts@reddit (OP)
Thanks!
Basic-Pangolin553@reddit
Yeah. Gambling on its own is stupid, doing it to support such a cruel industry is fucked up.
EVERYTHINGGOESINCAPS@reddit
I actually don't care tooooo much about the horse deaths - I feel like it pales in comparison to the predatory nature of gambling in general.
If anything, you could almost argue that the allowance for horse deaths to continue is to direct the "bad story energy" away from the real issue.
Burton96HD@reddit
I mean both can be bad. The only argument I've heard against banning horse racing is that the horses are apparently treated really well. Although I have no knowledge on this subject.
Arbdew@reddit
Horses that do OK are treated well. It's when they stop doing OK, or just never do OK in the first place that a lot of the problems start. There's a huge amount of "wastage" in the industry. For every Frankel, Arkle or Sea the Stars there are potentially hundreds that are discarded. About 12000 thoroughbreds are born in the UK every year. Approx 50% never make it to a racecourse at all. There are charities who rehabilitate them, if retired young and fit enough experienced people can turn them into a good ridden horses (I had one who was an excellent all rounder, she'd raced twice as a 2 year old and just wouldn't race). A lot don't end up in good homes though and that's before you even look at racing/training deaths- and injuries that prevent them from having a useful later life. With the cost of everything now, there simply aren't the homes for them.
Burton96HD@reddit
Are these horses bred on purpose to get them into horse racing? If not, then what kind of life would these horses have if not in horseracing? Thanks for the insight!
Arbdew@reddit
Yep, specifically bred for racing. Racehorses are all thoroughbreds and have to be registered with Wetherbys- ones born in the UK anyway. Thoroughbreds are built for speed, literally thats it. Some have turned their hooves to other things but most often, its cross breeds who take part in other horse sports. If there was no racing, I reckon there would be very few thoroughbreds.
Ones who do compete at a highish level tend to be eventers, or hunt horses. As hunting is going then thats one less thing to absorb the over production from racing in (not that I think hunting should continue).
Most people wouldn't want one. Tend to be highly strung, accident prone walking vet pensions. Mine included. She managed to stand on a branch, break it, and a large piece of it stabbed her effectively in her inner thigh. Went in 12 inches, but fortunately it slid between a group of muacles. That was done walking across a field. I'd have another anyday (if I was younger, dafter, bounced better and had the cash!) but they aren't most peoples cup of tea.
Bulky-Wonga-8634@reddit
Losing money makes me nervous about betting, its a mugs game at any time. Worse when it involves animals.
WebDisasters@reddit
I just read this story 2 minutes ago and decided I won’t bet on horse racing anymore. Not even the free bets that gambling companies throw your way durng big race days.
First-Lengthiness-16@reddit
Yeah, I don’t care about the horse deaths. I find it fun and this is the tiniest drop in the ocean when it comes to the cruelty inflicted on animals by man.
If I could solve the top 100 issues in this sphere, horse racing deaths wouldn’t be included
Miss_Type@reddit
Can I ask what the top 100 animal cruelty issues are in your list?
First-Lengthiness-16@reddit
Things under umbrellas such animal slaughter, destruction of their environment, bestiality, fighting, fishing, battery farming, keeping them in cages as pets etc
ya_basic82@reddit
I’m a vegetarian so I’m not really into it because of the injuries and deaths purely from whipping an animal to go faster than it naturally would. Growing up we’d always bet on the national but it’s less appealing the older I get. Like with me not eating meat though I don’t preach to others about it.
gatoStephen@reddit
Dairy products are created by a cruel industry but I see you're not vegan.
itsableeder@reddit
I know plenty of vegetarians who don't consume dairy either despite not being fully vegan. You don't know anything about the person you're replying to or how they make their decisions.
Beartato4772@reddit
Also pretending there isn't a difference between sustenance and entertainment is such a willfully stupid argument it's an immediate block for that guy.
itsableeder@reddit
I don't see anyone pretending that. Maybe they're a replies that I'm not seeing though.
Beartato4772@reddit
Literally the guy you replied to implying you have to be ok with this if you drink milk.
itsableeder@reddit
I honestly didn't read it that way at all but now that you've said it I see where you're coming from. I just read it as the usual anti-veggie/vegan sneering you get from some people.
ya_basic82@reddit
Thank you. It’s exhausting justifying being vegetarian to reddit vegans. Being vegan for 8 months made me ill. It put weight on me, I lacked vitamins and ultimately decided it’s better for me to be vegetarian. I drink oat milk and limit eggs but I bloody love cheese. I’ve been veggie for almost 5 years and that’s what works for me.
itsableeder@reddit
I genuinely don't understand why people get so wound up about it. The way someone else decides to live their life is exactly none of my business if it doesn't impact me!
inside12volts@reddit (OP)
The usual argument I hear is that the horses are treated incredibly well when off the course and on course rules have gotten stricter and stricter.
AllThatIHaveDone@reddit
There's a lot of money in horses, which means there's a lot of propaganda.
Beartato4772@reddit
I wonder how well "I treated her well when I wasn't actively whipping her" goes in any other circumstance.
Sir_Madfly@reddit
It's like what an abusive partner would say. "I treated them well cause I spent so much money on them so it doesn't matter that I beat them up"
First-Lengthiness-16@reddit
Same is true with most animal interactions though right?
“I treated her well when I wasn’t keeping her in a cage”. Works just as well right?
daneview@reddit
In fairness, the whipping doesnt bother me it really wpuldnt harm an animal like a horse and when any sportsperson is adrenalined up theyre barely going to feel something like that, it is just a control method.
I against it though as just using animals for sport and gambling feels morally wrong as ot will always lead to some mistreatment, and the regular deaths in hurdles courses back that uo however well the horses are cared for
borntorun93@reddit
Having had horses for my entire life, I can tell you that whipping them does indeed cause harm. My rescue mare arrived with welts from them and is petrified to even walk past one propped up at our stable property. They are so sensitive they can feel flies landing and I've had one even get rashes and sores from fleece lined tack. They can definitely feel a whip & I have completed at high(ish) level eventing & endurance when the adrenaline is definitely going!
daneview@reddit
Fair enough, consider me educated!
Admirable-Bluejay956@reddit
My dad, an avid horse racing/gambling man would always say “but the horses like it” saying that to your vegan daughter is particularly stupid! As much as I loved the old got this was me thing we really didn’t agree on. He used to always have a go at me cos I wouldn’t have a chicken pekora from the chippy, and then said he was just worried that I wasn’t eating enough
Winter_Parsley8706@reddit
For anyone that doesn't feel bad about it - take a looks at your life and morals
glasstraxx@reddit
Everyone is different I guess
ServerLost@reddit
It's a disgusting blood sport and I've wanted it out of my city since I was a small child. Name another sport where the competitors regularly get shot in the head afrerwards.
First-Lengthiness-16@reddit
Fishing is worse
ServerLost@reddit
The fish isn't a participant it's a victim, not the same thing. Race horses get treated like celebrities right up to tent time, it's a sickening hypocrisy.
thierry_ennui_@reddit
I don't gamble for many reasons, but the unnecessary death of animals in the name of entertainment is the biggest.
First-Lengthiness-16@reddit
You could just bet on the multitude of sports that don’t involve animal deaths?
thierry_ennui_@reddit
First-Lengthiness-16@reddit
But the biggest one doesn’t apply to the vast majority of betting markets.
It’s like saying “I don’t drive, the biggest reason is that I don’t like Hyundais”
Wind-and-Waystones@reddit
Can you name any gambling companies that don't allow you to bet on horse racing?
If the company/industry makes part of its profit from something you find abhorrent it's reasonable to avoid using that company/industry
thierry_ennui_@reddit
No, but all the other ones do
CNRADMSN@reddit
The thought of losing money on something so stupid makes me feel uncomfortable
Bigboymeatcity@reddit
This is reddit, most people don’t leave their rooms let alone go to the races 😂 any answers aren’t reflective of the general publics opinions
thefudgeguzzler@reddit
Honestly, no.
I am a meat eater, and am very much aware that this fact makes me complicit in such a massive scale of animal cruelty and slaughter that horse racing (or laboratory testing of animals, or whatever else comes to mind) is just a drop in the ocean.
So the way I attempt to square that circle is basically to be as non- judgmental as possible when it comes to these sorts of things.
I think to do otherwise would be pretty hypocritical of me.
JimmyBallocks@reddit
Fuck the grand national. That's where I stand.
Accomplished_Ice131@reddit
I don't really gamble but yes, the Grand National is a terrible, cruel sport for selfish idiots.
R0ckandr0ll_318@reddit
What about the horse deaths at other horse races or don’t they count? The fact is those horses are bred to run and jump. If they get injuries in the course of doing that they often will never be able to use the leg again.
And for those saying don’t race horses. Okay then fine close all the race courses that people enjoy, cost lists of people their jobs oh and still shoot all the racehorses cause without racing no one is going to pay to keep them
CurvePuzzleheaded361@reddit
Yes. Always been against it. So cruel.
curlypistachio@reddit
I went to the horses for the very first time this year for a friend’s birthday who kind of comes from a ‘horsey’ family.
Anyway, I never really thought about horse racing before, not in a deep way at least. I didn’t know much about it, though I suppose I thought it was unnecessary and sad, though didn’t think it would be that likely to happen.
Now I look back and see I was incredibly naive. 2 horses fell that day and I think about them often. They did not deserve that and it was incredibly traumatising. Though sad, it was very normalised on the day by people.
I would never ever bet on a horse again and will never go back. I think it’s incredibly sad and upsetting.
Beartato4772@reddit
I think it should be banned.
But what really fucks me off is when the people, who deliberately forced a horse against its will into a race that has a very reasonable chance of killing it and who whipped it the whole way round to force to comply pretend to be upset that the horse died for any reason other than financial.
daneview@reddit
I dont think thats fair, the trainers and team likely spend a lot of time with the horses and im sire they do adore them and are hurt by the deaths. But they just see ot as part of the lofe I guess
The same way the barbarians that hunt foxes no doubt love and care for their horses and working hounds
AllThatIHaveDone@reddit
Remember when Charlotte Dujardin was caught whipping her horse she was going to be riding for the Olympics? Horse people don't care about their animals as pets, they are resources to be ruthlessly exploited.
bobbymoonshine@reddit
I’m not really going to believe that the jockey who continued to whip a horse with a broken back so it would finish and win the race had much consideration for its life. The poor thing died in fear and pain while being whipped by someone it thought it trusted.
Beartato4772@reddit
I frequently force things I adore into incredibly dangerous situations while whipping them constantly.
But you do you.
Also fuck off.
First-Lengthiness-16@reddit
I like the self righteousness there buddy.
MountainMuffin1980@reddit
Anyone who supports horse racing, knowing the amount of horse injuries and deaths it causes, is a bit of a cunt really.
Cheap-Rate-8996@reddit
Do you eat meat? Just out of interest.
Etheria_system@reddit
This isn’t the gotcha you think it is (and before you ask, no I don’t I’m vegetarian)
PutTheKettleOff@reddit
What's the rebuttal?
someguyhaunter@reddit
Not a surprise when you see footage of the people who go to the grand national.
GandalfsNozzle@reddit
I live close to Cheltenham, you don't have to tell me twice.
I essentially move away for race week it's unbearable
4rr0ld@reddit
I don't disagree, but we should probably distinguish between national hunt racing over fences and flat racing. I grew up with some knowledge of the industry, my father knew a couple of trainers of national hunt horses, and it was sometimes difficult to avoid on TV in the 80's, but yes, it's a horrible sport, bent from the inside, mostly rigged, and cruel. Fuck Aintree
iaina@reddit
Yes, I'm not at the point where I would say it needs to be banned but I won't be unhappy to see racing decline. I know there is a traditional aspect but it's really just kept alive for gambling. At some point it won't be economical.
SceneDifferent1041@reddit
Not really. If I've bet on it and it fell over, I quite encourage the practice.
GlastoKhole@reddit
The races are fine it’s the hurdles. They only die because of the hurdles if there were non it wouldn’t be an issue. They either fall or damage their legs in ways they can’t survive, golden glory landed badly on the last hurdle and broke its back but managed to canter to the finish line and win.
chilli_con_camera@reddit
No, flat racing also leads to horses dying
Ascot Flat: https://www.horsedeathwatch.com/#c=40&j=&g=&sd=&ed=&p=1
Ayr Flat: https://www.horsedeathwatch.com/#c=37&j=&g=&sd=&ed=&p=1
Carlisle Flat: https://www.horsedeathwatch.com/#c=82&j=&g=&sd=&ed=&p=1
Chepstow Flat: https://www.horsedeathwatch.com/#c=65&j=&g=&sd=&ed=&p=1
Doncaster Flat: https://www.horsedeathwatch.com/#c=63&j=&g=&sd=&ed=&p=1
etc etc
2026 flat racing season will see more deaths too
TehDragonGuy@reddit
Don't really have an opinion, except, isn't it very hypocritical to have an issue with it but still eat meat? I guarantee the horses are treated better (and I eat meat before anyone asks).
Wishmaster891@reddit
I'm always curious what kind of jobs certain race goers do, the ones that get into fights after drinking too much.
Etheria_system@reddit
Sales most likely
Etheria_system@reddit
Racing animals is barbaric. Betting on the thing that pushes them to their deaths is sick
Lotharus_1987@reddit
Used to love a punt on the grand national but just can't anymore. Don't even watch it nowadays.
luckeratron@reddit
Apparently it's supposed to be a lot safer than it was, but today's news puts paid to that I suppose.
RafRafRafRaf@reddit
I don’t gamble full stop because I think commercialised gambling is predatory and damaging, but I really don’t gamble just like I don’t want anything to do with anything else that treats the deaths of domesticated animals as completely inevitable and accepted collateral damage.
It’s blood sports pretending to be civilised. Suffering for fun and profit.
No thanks.
SmellsLikeTat3@reddit
reddit is going to give you a very biased answer on this, i enjoy betting and horse racing, the fatalities are a sad part of it but unavoidable unless you scrap the whole thing - top racehorses live great lives and enjoy running
inside12volts@reddit (OP)
Both sides welcome here! Thanks for putting your head above the parapet.
Rekyht@reddit
Unfortunately the downvotes and suppressed comments make a discussion impossible.
frankieramps@reddit
that’s the biggest argument people put forward for it. like we’re doing these horses a favour ‘letting’ them run. but how are we measuring a horse’s enjoyment levels? there’s a lot of visible stress behaviour from many horses in the paddock, on the way down to the start, certain in the gates in flat racing. but if the people in the industry say the horses are happy, we should believe it, right?
they live ‘great lives’ by our standards, but not always by equine welfare standards.
thecxsmonaut@reddit
Gambling and animal abuse, two of my least favourite things. If you go to the races, you're a cunt. Sorry. It's the modern world, the information age, you can't plead ignorance anymore. Stop being complicit.
buy_me_a_pint@reddit
I have not bet on the national in years
Years ago me and my parents went to a horse meeting in Uttoxeter with my uncle, auntie, Nan and Grandad. I did not enjoy it two horses died
Whoppa-seagull@reddit
Like you I always would have a little bet on the Grand National but I have not done it for years now. It really does get to me when a horse gets put down & it is very often more than one in the National, even though the big fences have been lowered. I appreciate that the hoses are bred for that reason but they do not get the choice of whether they jump, get injured & die. It is such a tragedy when such a beautiful animal is put down.
fluffy_samoyed@reddit
Maybe we should just have people dressed up like horses run a foot race like that mobile game. I'm all for banning real horse races.
Wise_Task_6029@reddit
Thought this might crop up this time of year, no doubt everyone will come out in outcry for the next week or so as a staunch opponent of horse racing for this one week only! And then no longer care about it… for another year at least
cmitch922@reddit
I must admit as someone who grew up in a family who always put a few quid on the national, I’ve been put off it. Although I hope all the people who are outraged at it are vegans
Kaiisim@reddit
Not really. If we raise an animal just to kill and eat it that's fine, but if we raise animals just to race and they die it's terrible?
I think it's mostly fine. The more we try and reduce harm to zero, the worse we ironically make things.
kestrelita@reddit
Horse deaths are nothing new - I don't support horse racing and never will.
JLinCVille@reddit
Horses love to race. Bet you’ve never seen a horse in person.
bobbymoonshine@reddit
Horses love racing. They don’t love being whipped to do it harder than their bodies can manage without killing them.
Beartato4772@reddit
If they liked it, you wouldn’t have to torture them to do it.
Spiritual_Garbage_25@reddit
agree. horses bloody love to break their backs and be put down 👍 never seen a horse happier than when it’s being raced to the point of severe injury and promptly euthanised
Minsc_NBooToo@reddit
They do, but not the way they are treated in horse racing
Anyone involved with equestrian activities generally hates horse racing. I've know a few people who bought ex-race horses, and they all had bad health problems due to being pushed too hard when they were young
I'm talking about a 4 year old horse that was pushed to the limit
Away-Activity-469@reddit
Can you bet on which horse dies, when and how?
Beartato4772@reddit
People have tried, shops generally won’t take those bets for some reason.
DeviateAviate@reddit
I've never bet on the horses and I don't usually watch Horse Racing because of the eventuality of a Horse stumbling. Can anyone run the numbers on non-Steeplechase fatalities because it legitimately seems like the UK's love of Steeplechase and National Hunt puts it in a far more dangerous territory than the other categories that tend to be popular outside of the UK?
evenifihateit@reddit
I last bet on the national (or any other horse race) in 2012.
I watched the race somewhere I couldn't have the sound on. Without all the excitement and drama whipped up by the commentary, it was fucking horrific. 40 started. Only 15 finished. 2 horses died (euthanised after the race due to broken legs): one had fallen and then continued riderless until he fell again and was seriously injured. One fence was bypassed on the second circuit as a jockey had broken a leg and was being treated. And on and on and on.
People should watch the race live without commentary in silence and see whether then it seems like grand excitement or fucking carnage: for me it was clear when I did so that it is the latter.
Historical_Project86@reddit
I stopped 10 years ago or so. I want horse racing to be banned.
Dolphin_Spotter@reddit
Time it was banned altogether.
Sea-Still5427@reddit
The worst part is the nurse mare farms.
ThePineappleSeahorse@reddit
I’ve always been disgusted by horse racing. It’s cruel and should be banned. And I can’t bear gambling either. That it’s such a huge part of the gambling industry is another reason I despise it.
Tezzybear@reddit
Any tips for tomorrow?
inside12volts@reddit (OP)
😭
hoochiscrazy_@reddit
Yes, I don't bet on horse racing for this reason
Repulsive_State_7399@reddit
Nope. Can't remember what year it was, but as a child I can remember a horse falling and seeing it laying there not moving while the horses had to run around around it. It struck me then that something was not as fun as all the grownups were making it out to be. I have never bet on it.
angry2alpaca@reddit
racehorsedeathwatch.com
Rekyht@reddit
Alright, everyone get into the circle, and start jerking to the right. That’s how we do this thread, just like every other time.
spynie55@reddit
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/articles/c3v614gk1g4o#:\~:text=Gold%20Dancer%20put%20down%20after%20winning%20at%20Aintree&text=Gold%20Dancer%20was%20immediately%20pulled,He%20broke%20his%20back.
Yes.
notacatto@reddit
That's fucking gross, poor creature.
reocoaker@reddit
Yep, it's pretty much the reason I stopped betting on the National. That and the fact that gambling is becoming an absolute epidemic in this country.
Fleurlamie111@reddit
Horse racing is cruel and barbaric. It should be banned and everyone who gets involved in it be put in prison.
cuccir@reddit
Yeah, I used to enjoy horse racing. I enjoyed betting on the Grand National via family as a kid. Later worked at a racecourse briefly as a summer job, went to a few meets.
Animal welfare is the thing that stopped me engaging with the sport, been well over 15 years now. A shame because I enjoyed it but it's not worth it
Rest_In_Many_Pieces@reddit
I don't think it's sport when animals die. If you look at Race Horse Death Watch , it's a site that records all the race horse deaths on the track. It's genuinely shocking how many horses are killed in races.
Horses also are more sensitive to pain than humans are, they have much thinner skin and can feel a fly land on them. So the pain we feel from a whip is double (or more) to a horse. And kicking them too hard in vulnerable parts of their bodies (like their side) can also cause them pain.
(I also hold the same opinion for anyone else riding. That whips should be banned; there are better methods. And people shouldn't be allowed to kick with force)
I also don't support dog racing for similar reason. I've seen Greyhounds off the track and they are usually in a horrific state. They love to run but the industry is just terrible. - Make the best pets once retired though.
itsableeder@reddit
Yes. I've never bet on the horses and I never will.
crispycat40@reddit
Never been to horse or dog racing and never will condone it.
ByteSizedGenius@reddit
I have done in the past but I wouldn't bet on any form of animal racing now.
Alarmed-Cheetah-1221@reddit
I don't even think people should be riding horses for a hobby, let alone racing them.
It's all so incredibly selfish and cruel.
TrashbatLondon@reddit
Yes. I stopped betting on horses a few years back after a death.
If footballers died that frequently they wouldn’t be long changing things.
Beartato4772@reddit
And footballers have a choice.
Scottie99@reddit
They’ve lowered the fences and I don’t think Aintree has a worse record than any other track, so no I’m not uncomfortable with it.
inside12volts@reddit (OP)
Fair enough! I get that people enjoy it (I have done previously).
sheslikebutter@reddit
This is one of these things that won't matter when banned in the grand scheme of things
I used to think it would be a shame to ban greyhound racing as I enjoyed going.
Recently found out my local race track shut over a year ago and I didnt notice. Guess these things you think are so important often aren't. Hadn't been for a few years before even that either.
L-0-T-H-0-S@reddit
When they let the horses ride the owners - that I'll happily bet on. Until then - the institution of racing is why I don't bet on horses.
It's a tragedy yet more perfectly good animals had to die though.
Discopants180@reddit
Silly place to ask.
jimmywhereareya@reddit
No.
GarethGore@reddit
I don't mind gambling, but I've always avoided horse racing, I just feel icky about the whole thing tbh so never partook in any form
wybird@reddit
I don’t watch or bet on it anymore due to the dangerous conditions in which the horses are made to race. Everyone can make their own judgment about what they think is appropriate or not in the name of sport, but there’s a growing number of people who don’t think it’s okay so you’re not alone.
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