Sir – Only 15 horses out of 40 runners finished the Grand National this year and two had to be put down (as last year). What a disgrace. Is it not time that this state of affairs is radically reformed?
The jockeys know the risk, but the horses have no choice. All the owners, riders and punters think about is money.
It is about time that the organisers realised that if they really think of themselves as animal lovers, then they should practise what they preach and really get down to making a National course that is as safe as possible. We humans are protected by health and safety laws but it seems mere horses are on their own if the National is anything to go by.
Phil Pegler
Worcester
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