SHOULD HORSE RACING BE BANNED? - NO

The Grand National has finished for another year and yet again the sport has created negative headlines around the country.


Two horses had to be put down after yesterday's event: Gold Cup champion Synchronised and According To Pete tragically fractured legs so it was decided that they had to be let go.


It is upsetting to see talented horses lose their lives because of such incidents, but what many people do not realise, especially those who think horse racing should be banned, is that destroying the animals after these accidents is the kindest thing to do.


When a horse races it has a lot of adrenaline pumping through it's body - as would any other athlete in different sports. 


So, before it can feel the pain of a fracture, for example, the kindest thing to do for it is to destroy it.


If a human were to fracture his/her leg, then it can easily be fixed: crutches and casts will be used for several weeks. But with a horse it is different. 


The creatures are huge and repairing a fracture is impossible. If this does happen, killing the horse is therefore seen as the best, and the right thing to do. You cannot let a horse suffer. 


Horse racing should not be banned - it is a much loved sport throughout the country and if it was to stop, then the horses will serve no purpose.


Race horses are born and bred for racing. It's their job. Those people who are ignorant enough to say that horse racing is a cruel sport should spend several weeks at a trainer's stable and watch how a horse is trained, prepared and looked after. They would then be able to see how much love and attention is put in by owners and trainers to make the sport as safe as possible for their horses.


Also, if the sport was to be banned, hundreds of people will lose their jobs. One thing that this country has always moaned about is the number of people who are unemployed. It would not help matters, in fact I believe it would make things worse. 


I hold strong opinions and even though I'm only expressing my view through words, I hope it reaches a wide audience. 


I hope non-horse racing fans will learn to appreciate the sport through this blog article and will learn that time and effort goes into the sport to ensure that horses are well treated and kept safe.


Unfortunately, like every sport, accidents happen. Horse racing has that low risk. People need to understand that. 


If the professionals understand the risk, then everyone else should. 

DAVID PIPE TO ANNOUNCE GRANDS CRUS DECISION WEEK BEFORE FESTIVAL

David Pipe will announce whether or not Grands Crus will race in the Gold Cup a week before the race.

Race fans will have to wait a few more weeks to discover if the grey will be up against the heavy-weights in March.

Pipe said today that the ability of his top novice chaser to jump fences at Gold Cup standard is "probably the only issue" that needs to be resolved before a decision is made on whether Grands Crus will race in the Gold Cup or the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next month.

However, that all-important decision could be left until five days before the RSA Chase on 14 March, as Pipe and the owners will weigh-up the opposition in the two races.

Pipe's guide on Grands Crus:

• We would have liked to go to Newbury  with him, that was the plan, but unfortunately that was the only race they didn't put on.
• He's got enough experience: he's had three runs as I wanted to get some runs into him early because you never know what will happen with the weather.
• He's made one mistake in those three runs.
• He's jumped very well, he's jumped around Cheltenham, and Newbury and Kempton, flat tracks, galloping tracks, and he's obviously a very exciting horse.
• I think it probably shows you how good he is that he finished so close to Big Buck's in the World Hurdle last year. I thought it was a fantastic race, Tom Scudamore gave him a cracking ride and we nearly pulled it off but Big Buck's had something to say.

My Opinion:

I think Pipe should think seriously about entering Grands Crus in the Gold Cup - if he did it would be an even more exciting race to watch. To put another top-class horse in the race would add greater thrill to the mix. The chaser would be in for a high chance too.

MY SELECTIONS FOR CHELTENHAM - SATURDAY JANUARY 28 2012

12:55 - Baby Mix
Currently on form and with Paddy Brennan on board the horse will be difficult to beat.

13:10 - Reverse Exacta: That'lldoboy
                                        Charminster

14:10 - Chance Du Roy
Fancy a outsider for this race. Horse been travelling well and with Johnson as jockey the horse should be capable of producing a good performance.

14:35 - Midnight Chase
Has won at Cheltenham before and in for a fair chance. Travels well over fences so should be given a second look.

15:10 - Broadbackbob

15:40 - Big Buck's
Can he win for the 15th consecutive time? In a competitive field but with the pace he's producing this should be ideal for him. Horse to beat.

16:10 - Hinterland
Ruby Walsh on board and the horse has run well previously. In for a good shot.
            Feeling Lucky? Koup De Kanon for the exacta.

PAUL BITTAR SAYS THAT WHIP PENALTIES MAY BE EASED

The BHA's new chief executive has announced that whip penalties could be relaxed.

Paul Bittar has claimed that the controversial penalty that jockeys receive as a result of breaking the new rules may be eased.

Bittar took up the post on Wednesday (January 18) but insisted that immediate changes were unlikely, yet he discussed how the new levels of punishment were inaccurate as they don't fit the crime.

Jockeys, trainers and even punters have reacted badly to the severe penalties that are given - the row started as a result of the 2011 Grand National where Jason Maguire was heavily criticised for excessive use of the whip on Ballabriggs.

The debate has recently been reignited as a result of Will Kennedy's suspension following his win in the Lanzarote Hurdle.

He received a seven-day ban and even had to forfeit his prize money.

During that weekend, over 100-day suspensions were handed out, resulting in negative reactions from the racing world.

Come on Paul, I know you can see the severity of the punishment. It's unfair on everyone: jockeys, trainers and owners. Listen to what the professionals want and change the rules to what they were previously. It needs to be done.

 NEW WHIP RULES

• Jockeys can use the whip seven times in Flat races and eight times in National Hunt
• Jockeys exceeding the limit by one strike will be suspended             
• Exceeding the limit by more than one strike will mean the jockey forfeits a share of prize money 

ROBERT THORNTON RETURNS TO WORK

ROBERT THORNTON returned to work this morning but he still continues to recover from a broken arm following a fall at Hereford last month.

Trainer Alan King welcomed the much-loved stable jockey back to the yard, but even though Choc's return to competitive action remains some time away, King was delighted to have him back in the saddle.

King said: "Choc was in this morning riding work. He actually gave Grumeti a breeze and it's great to have him back in the yard,

"He seems to be coming on well. He doesn't go back and see the specialist until early February, but it's good to have him around the place again."

LASHING OUT - MY OPINION ON RULES OF THE WHIP IN HORSE RACING

Since the rules of the use of the whip in horse racing changed last year, it seems that each ban gets more and more ridiculous.

Personally, I believe that the whip in the sport was already used responsibly and reasonably.

Jockeys are now faced with further restrictions as to how many times they can use the whip.

From October 10th 2011, the number of times a jockey’s whip changed to eight in National Hunt races and nearly halved to seven times in flat races.

  

With recent bans including Lanzarote Hurdle winner, Will Kennedy and amateur riders including Robert Cooper, I believe the BHA should refer back to its previous rules on the whip as jockeys were doing just as well then.

How can you reduce the number of times you can hit the horse with the whip if it doesn't even hurt them in the first place?

Jockeys need to control the horses: they are large, heavy creatures who need to be given guidance in a race.

  

The whip is an essential element to why racing is such a greatly admired sport as around six million people attend just over 1,500 race meets in a year.

Will Kennedy said it right : "I'm not really one for hitting them but I missed the last and what do I tell the owners?

"I either hit her two more times and win by a nostril or I don't and I get beaten. Who can say I would have won without those two hits? It's disappointing."

He said: "You work your backside off and lose two-and-a-half grand. You sometimes wonder why you bother".

The BHA needs to reconsider the rules and I believe they should return to what they were previously.

Read my interview with Sussex trainer Diana Grissell on the use of the whip: http://everyoneisstarryeyed.blogspot.com/2011/11/whipping-up-debate-with-sussex-trainer.html

SELECTIONS FOR KEMPTON - SATURDAY 14 JANUARY 2012

12:30 - Dubawi Dancer
Open to improvement and even though faces a penalty here today, she still should produce an interesting run. 


13:05 - Menorah
Back on a winning streak but still needs to become more confident over fences. Definitely respected and in for a fair chance.


13:40 - Hit The Headlines
Up for today's task and looks to make a promising run. Did well on his hurdling debut at Huntingdon and in for a high chance today.


14:15: Reblis
           Only Witness for the exacta
Reblis looks set to make a hat-trick here today and even though took him a while to get used to fences, he's definitely in for a good shot today. Only Witness looks set to produce another suitable run and even though 8lb up, should be in for a chance.


14:50 (Lanzarote Hurdle) - DECOY
Was beaten by Featherbed Lane at Ascot, but Pipe's horse is now 17lb better off. He looks ready to prove himself today and should be respected. Has every chance of turning things around. 


15:20 - Quotica De Poyans
            Soixante for the exacta
Even though Quotica De Poyans pulled up on previous run, he looks set to return to form today. With Hutchinson on board the horse could do well. Soixante looks ready to aim for a winning mark. In for a fair chance as well.


15:50 - Zafranagar
Won easily at Wetherby and is a previous winner on this course. Distance shouldn't be a struggle for him. Respected. 

SELECTIONS FOR MUSSELBURGH - FRIDAY JANUARY 13 2012

12:40 - Lemon Drop Red
Has had an encouraging start to hurdles and stands a good chance today. Respected.


1:10 - Charminster
Strong horse and a very good traveller. Won an Irish maiden point on firm and shouldn't be overlooked.


1:40 - Philharmonic Hall
Should be given a chance today as needs to prove capability. In for a fair chance.


2:10 - Red Tanber
Recent wins have been strong and is likely to the frontrunner today.


2:40 - Auberge
Third at Worcester and is the main threat in this race. The fast ground here would suit her so she is in for a ideal chance. Respected.


3:10 - Rossini's Dancer
Runs well at Musselburgh and is in for a strong chance as has returned to form. Big contender.


3:40 - Keeneland
Ability is ideal and has plenty to offer. Good horse to back.

SELECTIONS FOR HUNTINGDON - FRIDAY JANUARY 13 2012

12:50 - Hohlethelonely for the win
            Earcomesthedream for the exacta
Hohlethelonely has improved as a result of blinkers, so looks promising while Earcomesthedream is on a winning streak at the moment and is capable of doing well.


1:20 - Free Speech
Currently in good form and prviously won with high weights. In for a fair chance.


1:50 - Ericht
Encouraging third at Cheltenham on hurdling debut and in for a promising run here today. Shouldn't be overlooked.


2:20 - Problema Tic
Had slight trouble switching to fences but has had comfortable wins previously. Should race well here as capable of a promising run.


2:50 - Bohemian Rock
Back racing with tongue-tie today (wore it previously when first at Towcester) and should race well today. In for a good shot.


3:20 - Dane Cottage
          Feeling Lucky? Try these for a tricast:
          Mangonel
          Pampelonne
Dane Cottage is a triple flat winner and looks set to race respectfully; Mangonel is an obvious choice for the punters but preparation has not been ideal; Pampelonne is returning with cheekpieces so is in for a bold bid.


3:50 - Brigadier Miller
With Barry Geraghty as jockey the horse is destined to do well, and is capable of producing another good performance (great run at Taunton last month).

SELECTIONS FOR TAUNTON - MONDAY 8 JANUARY 2012

13:10 - Advisor

 Former Paul Nicholls horse and in for a fair chance.

13.40 - Night Rose

             Possibly Native Breeze for the exacta
Night Rose made a great reappearance at huntingdon and deserves another chance. Native Breeze is another good horse for Philip Hobbs but needs to improve jumping.

14.10 - Rangitoto

Ideal event to extend winning streak. With Ruby Walsh as jockey the horse is destined to do well.

14.40 - Darlan

              Feeling lucky? These for the tricast:

             Jump City

              Kings Bayonet

Darlan has a great form and looks set to repeat his previous performance. Jump City just behind in weights but looks set to battle it out. King Bayonet is a newcomer but with Hutchinson on board the horse could do well.

15:10 - Quinte du Chatelet

May still be few pounds high in weight but shouldn't be ignored as capable of producing a good run.

15:40 - Folie A Deux

Has a good form and Polly Gundry is back on the mark. Worth a look.

16:10 - Double Handful

This is a very difficult race to pin-point the winner, but Double Handful has a good record on flat. As the race is 2m 1f, the horse stands an ideal chance.