The Grand National at Aintree

[Unstable]

Originally Posted by TheSpyder

I know this is the wrong spot but wanted people to realize what this race is. It is this Saturday and in comprised of 40 horses going over 30 jumps and it is the premere jump race of the year.

It is absolutely unbelieveable to watch. Truely a great race. When I lived in England Red Rum won the race two years in a row. I think it lasts for over 4-5 minutes.

Unreal.

Spyder

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.

[Pedigree Ann]

Originally Posted by Unstable

Scott,

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.

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.

[Unstable]

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.

My thoughts exactly.

[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!

[TheSpyder]

Jonathon,

I'm half English and use to go there a lot growing up as well as going to school there after college. I love the jumpers and this race in particular. To be in England today is like a major holiday and this race is the talk of the entire Country..everyone has one picked out. How we get people over on this side of the pond to like racing that much?

Originally Posted by Unstable

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.