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Synchronised after unseating Tony McCoy during last year's Aintree Grand National. Peter Byrne/PA Archive/Press Association Images
The Daily PollPoll: Is the Aintree Grand National cruel?
Despite recent safety changes to the course, horses continue to die.
THE GRAND NATIONAL takes place at the famous Liverpool course on Saturday afternoon but fears remain about the safety of the Aintree fences after last year’s race claimed two horses, including 2012 Gold Cup winner Synchronised.
Despite changes to the material the fences are made from, as well as their height and landing areas, two of the biggest criticisms of the Grand National remain the number of fences (thirty) and the gruelling distance of four miles, four furlongs.
While many supporters of horse racing will point to a reduced number of fatalities in recent years, horses continue to die at Aintree with Little Josh having to be put down as recently as Friday evening.
So the question we’re asking today is, is the Aintree Grand National cruel?
Poll Results:
No (1936)
Yes (842)
have your say