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Well done for trying to improve things.

I fully expect the Grand National to be restricted to horses no older than 12 after this horrible, and predictable outcome, which is damaging to the sport. Too late for poor Celebre D’Allen though.

In National Hunt racing there are age restrictions for all races anyway and for minimum ages. I don’t see a problem having upper age restrictions as well, particularly in long these distance races. Perhaps the BHA need to do a piece of work to evaluate the issue of maximum ages for horses to compete depending on the weather, discipline and distance. Hopefully PTP could follow their lead and amend rules too.

Sonny Somers was 45 years ago (as was Mac Vidi, finishing 3rd, promoted to 2nd after disqualification of winner for a prohibited substance, in that years Gold Cup), and have no bearing on today’s racing.

As for the trainers, they withdraw horses all the time citing welfare grounds when the surface gets too good, so should easily be able to understand the need to protect older horses welfare too.

<blockquote data-quote="Mr Whatoxo" data-source="post: 2698241" data-attributes="member: 68399">Well done for trying to improve things.I fully expect the Grand National to be restricted to horses no older than 12 after this horrible, and predictable outcome, which is damaging to the sport. Too late for poor Celebre D’Allen though.In National Hunt racing there are age restrictions for all races anyway and for minimum ages. I don’t see a problem having upper age restrictions as well, particularly in long these distance races. Perhaps the BHA need to do a piece of work to evaluate the issue of maximum ages for horses to compete depending on the weather, discipline and distance. Hopefully PTP could follow their lead and amend rules too.Sonny Somers was 45 years ago (as was Mac Vidi, finishing 3rd, promoted to 2nd after disqualification of winner for a prohibited substance, in that years Gold Cup), and have no bearing on today’s racing.As for the trainers, they withdraw horses all the time citing welfare grounds when the surface gets too good, so should easily be able to understand the need to protect older horses welfare too.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Mr Whatoxo, post: 2698241, member: 68399"] Well done for trying to improve things. I fully expect the Grand National to be restricted to horses no older than 12 after this horrible, and predictable outcome, which is damaging to the sport. Too late for poor Celebre D’Allen though. In National Hunt racing there are age restrictions for all races anyway and for minimum ages. I don’t see a problem having upper age restrictions as well, particularly in long these distance races. Perhaps the BHA need to do a piece of work to evaluate the issue of maximum ages for horses to compete depending on the weather, discipline and distance. Hopefully PTP could follow their lead and amend rules too. Sonny Somers was 45 years ago (as was Mac Vidi, finishing 3rd, promoted to 2nd after disqualification of winner for a prohibited substance, in that years Gold Cup), and have no bearing on today’s racing. As for the trainers, they withdraw horses all the time citing welfare grounds when the surface gets too good, so should easily be able to understand the need to protect older horses welfare too. [/QUOTE]

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