Anyone who has knowledge of equines and cares for their welfare would not support such events as the so-called Grand National.

Sadly most are ignorant of equine needs and natural behaviour, where they would not attempt to jump in the conditions they are made to in such events, where year after year horses are killed. Having not only had horses/ponies for 50 years, plus having taken in and dealt with rescued and retired equines, my wife and I plus friends who have done the same have seen the way some end up after they have made money or given some owner an ego trip, and it has been a sorry sight.

Of course the huge moneymaking industry which profits from jump racing has supporters from the veterinary world, plus owners and trainers who will say how much they love their horses, with much gushing about them living in luxury and how much it cost in monetary terms etc, which is sentimental nonsense, because those people are making their living from this industry. Such claims are pure anthropomorphism, because an animal like a horse does not equate such behaviour as caring for or understanding them.

In reality such events as Cheltenham races and the Grand National are more about booze, money and sex, at the expense of the horses, flat racing being a much more acceptable sport.

David Thomas, Hisomley, near Westbury.