The Grand National at Aintree

[ArlJim78]

40 may start the race, but 40 don't finish. there are many "fallers".

[Getaway]

Goin to the race for the first time. Can't wait to walk the course. I will report on what I see, when I get back.

[TheSpyder]

Originally Posted by Getaway

Goin to the race for the first time. Can't wait to walk the course. I will report on what I see, when I get back.

Very nice.

[my miss storm cat]

I can't watch it.

I follow some of the horses but I hold my breath and so I just skip it completely and wait for the reports after the fact.

The fallers..... it's just not for me but to anyone going or watching hope you enjoy it.

Here are the 99 left in at the 5 Day stage.....

http://guardian.sportinglife.com/GU_...254835,00.html

Good luck to Hedgehunter, Simon and L'Ami.....

[prudery]

If the race lasted somewhat over 4-5 minutes, nothing in this country could stay with these horses in a G1---it is closer to 8-10 minutes covering 4 miles or so and hellishly configured jumps and turns ... A fascinating lore behind this event, and it is very impressive ... That is the good news ...
MMSC has very good reasons for not wanting to watch ... A cavalry charge of more horses than we are used to seeing headed for those monstrous obstacles is daunting enough, but it is a rare thing that there are no falls, injuries, or fatalities ....
The first time I watched this race, the favorite--a fine, stout accomplished animal---wiped out at the first fence and received a broken back ...
While we are sadly used to seeing breakdowns, this race seems to court them for obvious reasons ...
It is a thing of beauty to see a good one jump the jumps and stay the course, but it is also a race of what can be viewed as a near demolition derby ...

[TheSpyder]

You are correct but still an amazing race to watch

Originally Posted by prudery

If the race lasted somewhat over 4-5 minutes, nothing in this country could stay with these horses in a G1---it is closer to 8-10 minutes covering 4 miles or so and hellishly configured jumps and turns ... A fascinating lore behind this event, and it is very impressive ... That is the good news ...
MMSC has very good reasons for not wanting to watch ... A cavalry charge of more horses than we are used to seeing headed for those monstrous obstacles is daunting enough, but it is a rare thing that there are no falls, injuries, or fatalities ....
The first time I watched this race, the favorite--a fine, stout accomplished animal---wiped out at the first fence and received a broken back ...
While we are sadly used to seeing breakdowns, this race seems to court them for obvious reasons ...
It is a thing of beauty to see a good one jump the jumps and stay the course, but it is also a race of what can be viewed as a near demolition derby ...

[tiggerv]

In my opinion it crosses the line between sport and abuse but that line is different for everyone.

[brockguy]

The most watched and most famous race in the world...

Its absolutely incredible... The stories behind so many of the winners are some of the most surreal things you could hear..

Getaway, I was there for the first time last year and loved it, I just hope the weather is good for ya..

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by prudery

but it is also a race of what can be viewed as a near demolition derby ...

Agreed.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Good luck to Hedgehunter, Simon and L'Ami.....

My pick is Simon.

[sumitas]

I'm inclined to state that this race should be abolished. It is barbaric and cruel. As adults I think we should know better than to support this blood race.

[Unstable]

Originally Posted by sumitas

I'm inclined to state that this race should be abolished. It is barbaric and cruel. As adults I think we should know better than to support this blood race.

The same argument has been made about all horse racing....

[TheSpyder]

You must be a polytrack fan....Your judging the race just as those who judge flat racing here as being barbaric and cruel. No difference.

Originally Posted by sumitas

I'm inclined to state that this race should be abolished. It is barbaric and cruel. As adults I think we should know better than to support this blood race.

[TheSpyder]

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

40 may start the race, but 40 don't finish. there are many "fallers".

True, maybe 6 -13 finish, but your don't hear about many injuries. Some of the jumps are HUGE!

Spyder