By SusanM

Re: Grand National
04 Apr 2008 09:20

I don't bet but just chose a horse for fun . This year Chelsea Harbour (nothing to do with the fact that Chelsea is my footy team of course )What do others fancy ? Susan xx

Replies

By lamb chop

Re: Grand National
04 Apr 2008 13:24

I got Mr. Pointment in the sweepstake. Don't know the first thing about horses but I'll be shouting at the TV on Saturday.

By *Bramble

Re: Grand National
04 Apr 2008 14:42

I'm going to get a Racing Post and study the form properly. I'm fed up of backing six losers every year!
Didn't win at Cheltenham either! I'll let you all know the winner in the morning :-)))

By Sam, worthing west sussex, uk

Re: Grand National
04 Apr 2008 17:10

i always took part in the sweepstakes at work...

But i absolutely loathe this race....I am not an animal fanatisist (sp) and I don;t believe it when people say "the horses love it, they enjoy it"...its a really horrid tough enduring race, and i hate to see it when a horse falls, and then i hear it has broken a toe nail and gets SHOT!!!! they could still put the horse out to stud or for breeding or sell on to caring loving keen avid "home" horse owners.

Sorry but i think its barbaric. and don;t get me on the bull fighting and the stampede thing through the towns!!!

Sammy

By cupcake

Re: Grand National
04 Apr 2008 21:42

I'm with Sam on this one. The 'GN' is not mentioned in our household. I cannot bear the thought of the beautiful racehorses falling at the ridiculous fences in this race. The racehorse owners & jockeys have a choice in such a risk - the horses do not. I feel so strongly about this I just had to post. Please Lord, I hope no horses are lost this year! cupcake

By *Bramble

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 10:14

They can't go to stud Sam, they don't send horses over those big fences with all their equipment! They don't get shot very often these days either, the fences were all made lower and safer a few years ago, and I can't remember any horse dying in a Grand National for years.
Cloudy Lane the fav ought to do it, and Comply or Die will be up there, but I like King John's Castle and you can see him cos he's a grey! I don't think a grey horse has won since 1960, so it's about time:-))) Bramble xxx

By *Bramble

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 10:17

Your Chelsea Harbour's in with a shout Susan, he likes heavy ground and he's got the stamina, good luck!

By Yummy

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 10:59

I don't think this race is down to form at all, (apart from the stamina aspect) if they can stay out of the melee and other impeding horses then they might be in with a chance, but even the favourites have a chance of being brought down with loose horses.
Yummy

By lucyhan

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 12:55

I'm in the Bramble camp on this sorry Sam& Cupcake, and agree with you Yummy it's not down to form, good jumping, stamina and loads of luck is needed. I went on Thursday ( I go every year) and it's a great day out. Just been to the bookies and put my £1 ew on Comply or Die, Simon and Slim Pickings so I've put the jinks on them then!! LHxx

By Sam, worthing west sussex, uk

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 13:41

Just my opinion...I didn;t know the horses had their bits removed! well know they lowered the fences they can leave in them in one piece to put them to stud! maybe.

By cupcake

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 13:44

At least 30 horses have died at the Grand National since 1997. That's 30 too many. And the TV cameras tend not to highlight this as it is such a 'popular' race. :(

I'm getting off my soapbox now. Still love you all but felt I had to post this statistic (from guardian sport can't do link as in rush)

xx cupcake

By mangymutt5

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 14:37

we take part in a sweepstake and my husband always backs what he picks out.last year he picked the winner but failed to back it,i did though!he won £20 i won over a £100 going to try again this year.

By *Bramble

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 16:39

Well I gave you two out of three - what do you want ???

By *Bramble

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 17:09

Good girl Lucy :-)))

By lucyhan

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 17:47

Thanks Bramble and all the horses came back safe, don't think the winnings will be enough to retire on though!! LHxx

By Jennifer merseyside

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 18:47

Actually, one didn't apparently McKelvey was unfortunately put down.
I had first third and fourth this year...and that's a first!!

By lucyhan

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 19:28

Well done Jennifer see you are from the area of the hallowed turf.
Missed that about McKelvey which is such a terrible loss to his connections who I believe nursed him back from a bad injury to compete today and really feel for the stable staff when this happens.LHxx

By cupcake

Re: Grand National
05 Apr 2008 21:15

This news breaks my heart and is why the

31 horses have now died in this race since 1997. It's just not worth it! :(

By Dottie May

Re: Grand National
06 Apr 2008 07:14

I enjoy flat racing but not over the sticks. Never watch or bet on the Grand National - think it's cruel but that's just my opinion. Dottie Mayx