Their grace and beauty is inspirational.

It is a testament to the horse’s gentle nature that he allows a predator-like being, one tenth of his weight, to ride on his back and call the shots.

Surely with this privilege comes some duty of care.

Jumps racing fails horses miserably in this respect, subjecting them to unacceptable risks they have no chance of consenting to.

Proponents of jumps racing tell us that the industry saves horses from the knackery; Saturday’s tragedy in the Grand National Hurdle is proof positive it merely provides and alternately cruel route.

PAM AHERN,

Willowmavin