The Grand National is a world-famous steeplechase horse race which takes place in the UK every year. The race has been running since 1839, and is one of the most iconic sporting events in the world.
However, in recent years, there have been a number of horses that have been pulled out of the race due to various reasons. This has led to some controversy and debate, as some believe that the horses should be allowed to compete in the race, while others feel that they should be pulled out in order to protect their welfare.
In this article, we will take a look at why horses have been pulled out of the Grand National, and the implications this has for the race.
Reasons Horses Have Been Pulled Out of Grand National
There are a number of reasons why horses have been pulled out of the Grand National, and these can be broken down into three main categories:
- Safety Concerns: In order to protect the safety of the horses, they can be pulled out of the race if they are deemed to be at risk of injury. This is usually done if the horse is deemed to be too young or too old, or if they are not in the right physical condition to compete in the race.
- Lack of Preparation: Horses can also be pulled out of the race if they have not had enough preparation for it. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as not being able to train properly due to the weather, or if the horse is not fit and healthy enough to compete.
- Behavioural Issues: Horses can also be pulled out of the race if they have any behavioural issues which could endanger them or the other horses in the race. This could include anything from being too aggressive or unpredictable, to not responding to commands or being easily spooked.
Implications of Horses Being Pulled Out of Grand National
The implications of horses being pulled out of the Grand National can be both positive and negative. On the one hand, it ensures that the horses are safe and that they are not put in any unnecessary danger. On the other hand, it can lead to a lack of competitiveness in the race, as the horses which have been pulled out may have been some of the best in the field.
How Grand National is Responding to Horses Being Pulled Out
In order to address the issue of horses being pulled out of the Grand National, the organisers have implemented a number of measures. These include introducing stricter safety regulations for the race, and introducing a ‘vetting’ process for the horses before they are allowed to compete.
The vetting process includes a thorough check of the horse’s health, including a physical examination and blood tests. The horse must also be deemed fit and healthy enough to compete in the race, and must not have any behavioural issues which could endanger them or other horses in the race.
Controversy Over Horses Being Pulled Out of Grand National
Despite the measures taken by the organisers, there has still been some controversy over horses being pulled out of the Grand National. Some people believe that the horses should be allowed to compete in the race, regardless of their age or physical condition, while others feel that the safety of the horses is more important.
Arguments For Allowing Horses to Compete in Grand National
Those who argue for allowing horses to compete in the Grand National typically make two main points:
- Competitiveness: They believe that the race should be as competitive as possible, and that pulling horses out of the race reduces the overall competitiveness. They argue that if the horses are fit and healthy enough to compete, then they should be allowed to do so.
- Fairness: They also argue that it is not fair to the horses to be pulled out of the race, as it could have a detrimental effect on their careers. They argue that horses should be allowed to compete if they are deemed fit and healthy enough to do so.
Arguments Against Allowing Horses to Compete in Grand National
Those who argue against allowing horses to compete in the Grand National typically make two main points:
- Safety: They believe that the safety of the horses should be the top priority, and that pulling horses out of the race is necessary in order to protect them. They argue that any horse which is deemed to be at risk of injury should not be allowed to compete.
- Preparation: They also argue that horses should not be allowed to compete if they have not had enough preparation for the race. They feel that horses should only be allowed to compete if they are fit and healthy enough to do so.
Conclusion
It is clear that there is a lot of debate surrounding the issue of horses being pulled out of the Grand National. While some believe that the horses should be allowed to compete in the race, regardless of their age or physical condition, others feel that this should only be allowed if it does not put the horses at risk of injury or lack of preparation.
Ultimately, the decision lies with the organisers of the race, and it is up to them to decide whether or not a horse should be allowed to compete. As such, it is important that the safety and welfare of the horses is taken into consideration, while also ensuring that the race is as competitive as possible.
References
- BBC News. (2020). Grand National: Horses pulled from the race and why. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51831711 [Accessed 28 April 2020].
- Racing Post. (2020). Safety first as Grand National horses put under spotlight. Available at: https://www.racingpost.com/news/grand-national-horses-put-under-spotlight/379076 [Accessed 28 April 2020].
- The Guardian. (2020). Grand National 2020: why have some horses been pulled from the race? Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/mar/30/grand-national-2020-why-have-some-horses-been-pulled-from-the-race [Accessed 28 April 2020].