Aintree

In the UK, we have a very famous annual racing event which is held in a little place called Aintree (like my name!) just outside of Liverpool. This race is called the Grand National and is held at the Aintree Grand National Course.

The course is the most unique race circuit in the country and has hosted some of the most exciting races ever seen in the UK and is very popular with the public, even people who wouldn't normally attend a race meeting will have a 'flutter' (place a bet) at least once on this special occasion.

However, the Grand National has also seem some terrible tragedies were horses have had to be put down because of injuries sustained after they fell at the most notorious of horse fences called Bechers Brook (the fence was given this name after the horse Captain Becher who fell at this fence). It's main danger is a 4ft 10 inch fence with a 5ft 5 inch brook on the other side. Even experienced jockeys have come to grief here.

In the past, there have been calls to do away with this fence as it is felt it is cruel to the horses.

Do you have any similar courses in the States?

Cadri4n

Yes the US has the Kentucky Derby held in well... Kentucky. It is held every year in May. Unfortunately this year it ended up with the tragedy of a horse who broke her front ankles.

SaddleSore

The national-well I always liked to have a flutter on it, but at the same time would be saddened by it each year. I'd only ever listen to it on the radio because I was too afraid of seeing a horse fall and get badly hurt.

I would love to see it made safer over time however I don't see how you could ever get rid of all risks.

Aintree

They say that horses love racing, and I'm sure they do. Part of me feels that man is a little arrogant in thinking that horses love to be raced in quite the way we are used to seeing.

I remember watching old cowboy movies and seeing wild horses galloping freely - I think that's probably nearer the horse's preference!

But having said that, there's no doubt that a well-treated horse would run to the ends of the earth for a loved owner.

CowboyJack

Our closest race track thankfully has thankfully been pretty free of controversy and such, at least ON the track.

The biggest controversy we have is about how they are trying to do away with horse racing and replace it with car racing, despite the fact that most locals prefer horse racing.