National was always a big thing in my family growing up but Saturday's race was a tough watch. Not just seeing the video of that horse that died on impact at the first fence but think it was the Canal Turn on the first lap. Two horses careering through the crash barriers, another horse running sideways at the fence and clattering into another horse. It was almost farcically cruel.
Wife didn't watch it and my 10 year old looked at me at the end and said 'I don't want to watch that again.' Didn't really get any thrill from watching it which is weird as it has been a fairly big sporting occasion in my life (I've even been twice).
I don't think jump racing is under threat as there are obviously far too many vested financial interests in taking money from the poor via the gambling industry. Classic reverse Robin Hood. However, I do think these protests will have an effect on public opinion. I think the peak of the Grand National's popularity days probably have passed.
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