And why do people keep banging on about the National. What about the Derby? In flat racing horses are already racing at the age of 2, so, what age do you think they begin their training???? They're barely yearlings.

Most are completely knacked by the time they are 7, with horrendous leg problems, and are put out of their misery for the insurance payouts.   Assuming they still have 4 good leg, some go to retirement homes where they try to rehabilitate them.

Horses in other deciplins are not broken in (a term I personally hate) until they are 4, when they bodies are properly matured (half way through a flat racers career) and do not begin competing until they are 5.

If people want to protest, it should be about flat racing - go tell the blessed Franki Dettorri what you think of HIM.