[DemolitionRed]

The problem with valuable horses is, they only have to take a minor injury that could be problematic in the future for them to get the bullet. Horse racing is about big money and when someone who owns a valuable horse, if it takes an injury its more valuable dead that alive. Over the years I've seen too many unscrupulous vets write off a valuable animal far too quickly to ensure its owner gets fully compensated.

Race horses only lead a decent life whilst they can still race. Most are backed at two which is far too young and causes all sorts of future arthritic problems. Once a horse is deemed unfit for racing or like most of the youngsters, is written off as a none runner, it will either be sent to the abattoir or sold off for pocket money into the hands of some naive amateur who won't be able to handle it. Occasionally it will end up in good hands but not often. If its done well but ready to retire, it will be used at stud or sold on to the more amateur racing yards. Very few retired race horses are kept by their owners.

I've worked with horses most of my life, I've even worked for racing studs and I can say categorically that life for most race horses is usually short and merciless.

I've ridden race horses many times during the bringing up and letting down process. I would definitely say that these animals love the chase regardless of being racing fit. This is especially true when they are running with the herd, as they are within the racing arena. As for the GN steeplechase, its the most ultimate test for both horse and jockey because of the pure volume of runners hitting those fences at the same time. You only have to look at any still of horses going over Becher's Brook to see the fear on its face.