God. What a week it's been. I've been stewing over this since Sunday night, and I'm finally ready to put it down in words - teenage horses in the Grand National are DONE. Finished. Over.
Let me be crystal clear about something. I'll bet my left riding boot that by 2026, Aintree officials will cap the race to horses aged 12 and under. Mark my words. Write it down. Screenshot this if you want.
This isn't me throwing shade at Celebre d'Allen's connections. Not even close. That poor animal died days after the race from some lung infection complications. Absolutely gutting for everyone involved.
When Science Meets Public Perception (Guess Which One Wins?)
Here's teh thing that drives me absolutely bonkers - there is ZERO scientific evidence suggesting a healthy 13-year-old horse can't perform just as well as an 11-year-old. None. Zilch. I've written about this exact topic at least a dozen times over the years.
But does that matter anymore? Nope.
Public perception is the only currency that matters in racing these days. It's why the whip rules are a complete mess and why the Grand National track has been transformed into something barely recognizable to those of us who've followed it for decades.
I had lunch with an old trainer friend last week who summed it up perfectly: "It's like watching someone slowly dismantle a classic car because they're afraid of what the neighbors might think." His response when I mentioned writing this article: "already updating my resume."
How Did We Get Here???
It's simple, really. Back in 2018, when the first major wave of changes came in, racing's leadership folded like a cheap suit. No backbone. No defense of the sport's traditions or values.
Now we're stuck on this runaway train of "improvements" that chip away at everything that made the National special. One day there'll be nothing left.
Listen. I'm not some dinosaur who can't accept change. But there's a difference between evolution and surrender.
The Uncomfortable Truth No One Wants to Admit
Modern Grand Nationals aren't won by veterans anymore anyway. Look at the facts - since 2015, winners have been aged 9, 8, 8, 9, 8, 7, 9, 8, 8.
Gone are the days when a 15-year-old Peter Simple (1853) or even a 13-year-old Why Not (1894) could triumph. The race has fundamentally changed - it's now essentially a high-class speed test that happens to be run over a marathon distance.
And let's be brutally honest. Horses die. It's the hardest part of loving this sport.
What some folks don't grasp (and I've spent $4K on therapy trying to explain this to my animal-rights activist sister) is that these magnificent creatures only exist BECAUSE of racing. Without the sport, they wouldn't be frolicking in fields living their best lives - they simply wouldn't exist at all.
I feel stupid now for not seeing this coming years ago.
Today's Scottish National: My 20-1 Longshot
Enough ranting. Let's talk about today's Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
While Willie Mullins could easily dominate as he chases another trainer's championship, I've got my eye on WALKING ON AIR at juicy odds for a potential upset.
Richie McLernon takes the ride for Faye Bramley - this being the horse's first run since moving from Gary Brown's yard. He wasn't disgraced at Cheltenham last time out, but it's actually his fifth-place finish in the 2023 Pertemps Final that caught my attention.
That run came when he was with Nicky Henderson, over hurdles off a mark of 138. Today he goes off 128. The math isn't complicated, people.
The ground looks perfect for him, and at around 20-1, I'm having a decent each-way punt. My wife thinks I'm crazy, but she said the same thing when I backed 66-1 shot Auroras Encore in 2013. (And yes, I'm still dining out on that story almost 12 years later.)
Quick Thought on Newbury
For the OLBG Spring Cup Handicap at Newbury, I'm taking a chance on CLASSIC with James Doyle riding for Richard Hannon.
He's been gelded since we last saw him (ouch), and had some really promising form last season. I was actually at Goodwood when he finished sixth in that valuable handicap over a mile - the poor thing had literally nowhere to go in the final furlong. Daylight robbery.
Worth a few quid of anyone's money today.
Anyway, that's my two cents. I'll probably be proven completely wrong about the National rule changes... but I doubt it. Racing's powers-that-be are nothing if not predictable these days.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do trainers prepare horses for races?
Trainers are meticulous in their preparation of horses for races. This includes a combination between physical conditioning, nutritional training, and mental coaching. They design customized workout routines designed to increase strength, speed and stamina. Trainers work with horses to provide them with a good diet and maintain energy.
How does a horse’s fitness level before a racing event get determined?
Fitness is measured by veterinary check-ups, trainer observations, as well as performance in workouts. Vets look for signs of injury and ill-health, while trainers observe their response during training sessions. The horse's behavior before the race also provides insight into how ready it is to compete.
How does betting work on horse races?
The odds of winning a horse race bet reflect the probability that a specific outcome will occur. These odds can be presented in decimals or fractions to show the possible profit of a winning bet. Odds fluctuate depending on the amount wagered on each race and can even change up until the start of a race. An experienced bettor will keep an eye on these changes and make informed bets.
How do handicaps work in horse racing?
In horse racing, handicapping is used to equalize the field and give each horse a fair chance of winning. Horses are assigned different weights based on their past performances, with the perceived better horses carrying more weight. This system is used to balance the competition. It is important for anyone betting on races to understand.
What are some of the most important horse racing events?
Some of the most illustrious events in horse racing include the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the United States, which comprises the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Dubai World Cup, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Royal Ascot, United Kingdom and Melbourne Cup are all internationally renowned races. These prestigious events attract the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world.
Statistics
- The record for the highest horse race betting turnover in a year is held by Japan, surpassing $22 billion.
- Australia hosts more than 19,000 horse races annually, making it home to one of the busiest racing calendars globally.
- The average racing career of a Thoroughbred horse spans approximately three to four years, after which many pursue breeding or other equestrian activities.
- Horse racing events in the United Kingdom draw in a yearly attendance of over 6 million people.
- The Thoroughbred industry in the United Kingdom heralds over £3 billion in economic output annually.
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