Animals have feelings just like us

A few weeks ago Cheltenham was the only thing that was on the lips of horse racing fans, sports enthusiasts and well, basically everyone and anyone who likes sport.

While an animal lover like me had to endure the constant talk about ‘almighty God Ruby Walsh’ and loads of other jockeys, I couldn’t believe when I read reports that Ruby Walsh had allegedly said that horses are replaceable.

I used to really admire Ruby Walsh. I admired his never-give-up spirit and winning attitude, he should be completely proud of that. However, where it all went downhill for my relationship with horse-racing was the industry’s attitude to the whip. Now, I’m not an eejit, I’ve a good enough brain and I understand that you need to control a colossal animal like a horse in some way, but by slapping and hitting its behind until you get over the line is just horrible to me. How about I get on your back and you run 100m while I hit you across the behind with my stick, eh?