The TWF Horse Racing Thread

[darlowolf64]

And don't forget the horses who die off the racetrack. Whose life ends when their race-worthiness ends.

Horse Racing Death Register –

A total of 82 in 2021 including old age, problems birthing and health issues

 

[Johnny75]

And don't forget the horses who die off the racetrack. Whose life ends when their race-worthiness ends.

How many and where?

 

[Johnny75]

I neither have the answer or see the relevance

So statistically at 0.03% it is a low chance of death in a race. I imagine there are higher chances of death by doing other things.

One thing for you and DWF, what is cruel about the actual races?

 

[Trips]

One death on a racecourse is a tragedy, however as TT says it comes down to your attitude toward this.

Racecourses, especially the National course which kicked this off, have been made safer over the years which can only be a good thing.

My view is that the majority of racehorses have a fantastic life away from the track, and are treated amazingly at the stables. This wouldn't happen if there was no racing.

Racing isnt going to stop in my lifetime, and I'm happy that all is done to ensure it is as safe as possible and horses are well treated.

If horses were treated terribly then I wouldnt be a fan of the sport, but that isnt the case - despite what some people try and say (not directed at anyone specifically)

 

[Dennisons Wrong Foot]

So statistically at 0.03% it is a low chance of death in a race. I imagine there are higher chances of death by doing other things.

One thing for you and DWF, what is cruel about the actual races?

Ask the 64 who died this year.

 

[Tony Towner]

So statistically at 0.03% it is a low chance of death in a race. I imagine there are higher chances of death by doing other things.

One thing for you and DWF, what is cruel about the actual races?

I've not said it's cruel, neither have I said that I'd want it banned, just that when i made the choice to stop eating animals i thought that continuing to support racing would be inconsistent with that. I don't suggest anyone else does that in the same way as I don't suggest people don't continue to eat meat

 

[Dennisons Wrong Foot]

I stopped eating animals in 1976. For many years I took the same approach as TT does now. But that has changed and I do see a moral imperative to speak up (or make occasional quiet murmurs) on a range of issues. I know, wrong thread.

 

[Johnny75]

Ask the 64 who died this year.

And this is the problem.

You could die falling down the stairs going to get a drink for your wife.

It isn't cruelty you and they have died from.

 

[Dennisons Wrong Foot]

They were made to perform under circumstances that could, and did, prove fatal. Performing meant running as fast as possible with a large weight on their back, a weight that controlled their actions. They had no choice. I feel comfortable calling that cruel.

 

[Johnny75]

They were made to perform under circumstances that could, and did, prove fatal. Performing meant running as fast as possible with a large weight on their back, a weight that controlled their actions. They had no choice. I feel comfortable calling that cruel.

Fair enough, I think you're wrong.

 

[Nando]

I accept in watching racing and following it on a day to day basis that horses will sometimes pay the ultimate price.

It is something that does wrangle with me, particularly so when a horse is lost, but ultimately I have come to a determination that I do not consider that racing is cruel, as you do. I have witnessed first hand the level of care and love afforded to these animals and that affection in my view provides them with a very high quality of life. I appreciate that there are people who approach racing from a different, primarily financial viewpoint, but that is not my key interest in the sport. It is one of appreciation of these majestic creatures, triggered by watching the Nicholls' string go out to exercise every morning on my way to school and college.

I witnessed Simonsig break his leg in front of me at Cheltenham and it made me sick for a good time afterwards. Seeing Nicky Henderson and his lass in agony, who adored that magnificent animal and cared for him as if he was their own, was heartbreaking. I'd honestly struggle to recall being in a more sombre environment than that and the thought of walking away from it all crossed my mind numerous times after the event.

There is always more that can and should be done to afford horses the quality of life they deserve. Accountability of retired horses certainly needs be improved and should be straightforward enough to do so. I know that there are hundreds of retired jumpers near to where I grew up, but I'd love to know where some of my old favourites currently are from elsewhere in the country. Trainers are increasingly providing this information themselves, but the BHA need to regularise it in full, for each and every horse that is under their care.

 

[Tony Towner]

Syncronised was the beginning of the end for me

 

[Donegal Wolf]

Syncronised was the beginning of the end for me

Really sad thing about Syncronised was that it was a freak accident, fell at Beechers got up unscathed, carried on with the rest of the field jumped 4 fences then fell again when it injured itself, think reins got loose and tangled in its feet

 

[Sniffer]

Is Syncronised the one that won the Gold Cup with McCoy onboard? IIRC it was a masterclass by McCoy to get him round Cheltenham let alone win as his jumping was awful. Not that it makes it any less sad but IMO he Should never have been entered in the National.

 

[Tony Towner]

Is Syncronised the one that won the Gold Cup with McCoy onboard? IIRC it was a masterclass by McCoy to get him round Cheltenham let alone win as his jumping was awful. Not that it makes it any less sad but IMO he Should never have been entered in the National.

Yep, McCoy's second best ride behind Witchita Lineman for me. Seeing the low so quickly after the high was heartbreaking

 

[Nando]

Remember laughing at my mate for backing him after the first mile - role reversal two miles later! A wonderfully game horse.

 

[Nando]

The state that UK racing finds itself is perfectly illustrated by the completely absurd handicap mark changes published today.

Fall 2 out? Have another 5lb and sit on 160 alongside a dual G1 winner without completing in a graded event yourself. Win a truly dreadful 3m handicap against a load of exposed boats? Have 9lb! Have the audacity to have a go at a clearly below par Shiskin? Oof - have another 7lb.

Fucking shambolic.

 

[Trips]

Handicapping system needs a proper review over here, been needed for a while. It's not just that that's the issue though, a look at the declarations for Punchestown shows the quality in Ireland.

A major issue is the amount of racing here, and the lack of prize money. Owners will always send their horses to Ireland because of the rewards there compared to here.

 

[Nando]

James Doyle has just given Sea Karats on debut one of the worst rides you'll ever see at Newbury. Filly has an Oaks entry and will be keeping an eye on her as she would have absolutely hosed in under a half competent ride.

 

[Trips]

De Souza got hauled before the stewards for similar on Wednesday at Newmarket on Stone of Destiny