I HOPE that before people rush out to one of the betting shops in our town to have a quick flutter on the Grand National that they consider the horses and the cruelty involved in that race.

Since 2008, 40 horses have died from their injuries at the Aintree meeting and 11 have died in the National itself.

There are more than 200 horses raced to death on British racecourses each year. Horses do not necessarily enjoy a happy retirement when their racing days are over.

Many are sent to slaughterhouses each year because they are not wanted or injured and can no longer race.

If you are a punter, why not send the money you would have bet on the race to a horse sanctuary instead. They need help to look after the victims of human cruelty, greed and neglect.

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