WHILST many observers at the weekend's Grand National race at Aintree would have been celebrating a 'grand sporting event', many others grieved. Grieved over the deaths of yet more horses – confronted by race conditions far beyond their ability to endure.

This is the dark side to steeplechasing, with many horses losing their lives at Aintree over the years. Here alone, 55 horses have died since 2000 – and four horses have died at this year's festival. On Sunday morning, it was confirmed that Eclair Surf died from a traumatic head injury caused in a fall at the third fence. Discorama, who fell at the 13th fence at the Grand National, also died after suffering an "untreatable" pelvic injury. There were also distressing scenes at Aintree on Saturday when, hours before the main event, Elle Est Belle suffered a suspected heart attack as she finished fourth in the novices hurdle.

The RSCPA has condemned the deaths, saying that "the death of any horse is always one too many", whilst animal rights activists and campaign groups have long called for stricter safety measures to be introduced within horse racing. These calls have been intensified following the recent Cheltenham Festival, where four horses lost their lives in just four days.

In view of these statistics, horse welfare is clearly not a priority in horse racing; and given that the use of the whip to give 'encouragement' is still permitted. Hmm...administering hurt to a fatigued horse to make it go faster – what do you think?

It is far past the time to have a recalibration of the horse-racing rules in a country renowned for its animal-loving personality.

Sylvia Walker, Steeton

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