WHERE IS CRUELTY ?

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 114, 16 May 1931, Page 21

WHERE IS CRUELTY ?

GRAKLE DID NOT MIND

After, each G/and National Steeplechase in England there is an outcry anent its alleged cruelty. This year the National Equine Defence League requested the National Hunt Committee to abolish it. The idea was laughed at by racing, men, and in discussing the statement that tho oi'deal injured horses in body and mind, one owner expressed himself as follows to ft representative of the London "Evening I'oM.":— "Grakle, this year's winner, is a re-

futation of this charge. He was affected sj little by the race that he ate not only his usual meal, but wanted, and received, a double allowance. There was not a scratch on him, and his legs were as cool as ice. As regards the alleged administration of stimulants, by which, I suppose, drugs are meant, that is an absurd suggestion. A 'doped' horse would nevi* get round. '; . ■ "The percentage of injuries or fatalities to horses competing in the Grand National is smaller than on any other course," said Percy Woodland, the well-known trainer, who has ridden two Grand National winners. Robert Gore, who has trained several C<rand National winners, said he considered the Aintree course the saEest in England, because no liberties couldl be taken with the fences, and this prevented reckless riding. . . ,