Slacker

That might explain their low attendances.They went to IKEA to buy a new stand and couldn't find their way out.

That picture is actually life size.

Can't be bothered to read all that but I assume that is the "before" not "after" image?

I suppose there are worse ways you could describe your wife.

250 seems a strange/small amount. I wonder how many I would need to wallpaper my front room?

She always has a great time when she goes there with me.

Swoon!

First half of Smash It Up- The Damned

Swan Lake.Madness.

How about a big welcome to a new member of our family.Welcome Mr Dennehy.We knew all along!

That was the first thing that went through my mind too.

Good luck chap.

Wouldn't be surprised to see John Terry.

Thanks Shahan.

Is this going to be POTD?

Happy Birthday Marjorie.

I think I am done replying on here now,though I will continue to follow what others have to say.I am not really one for debating. I think this is the first time I have ever really done it on OTIB.I have enjoyed it though and have tried to be honest and open. I think what has struck me most,with the greatest respect to all that have contributed,is that the "pro lobby" are very quick to point out the ignorance of the people questioning them,quite rightly in my case,but are extremely reluctant to actually answer anything directly without given consent examples of fairly unconnected issues.I think this one is never going to be resolved.

Sayle(Alexi).

Apparently 178 horses died on a British track last year.Presumably to yourself.Out of interest, what amount of deaths would you consider unacceptable?

sail ️

No he still has it if you are interested. Price has gone up to £40 though.

I am not singling out horseracing when I assume a lack of transparency. It is a generilalisation of most businesses. Where I work we are audited several times a year.It is a very different place during the audits.Why would a business present their darker side knowing the criticism it will attract and possible loss of business? As you point out,and I have admitted, I know nothing about the ins and outs of horseracing.If I went to a stable,I wouldn’t know what to look for.I wouldn’t know what to ask.I certainly wouldn't expect the owner of the business to change his practices to suit my beliefs.Do you think he would listen to me and then make adjustments that would affect his livelihood? It was an interesting comment the owner of the horse that was destroyed made about the horses being unsettled due to the protest.Food for thought for the protesters. I don't pretend to have all the answers.Is the whip entirely necessary? Do they horses have to go over jumps,and do the jumps have to be so high?I don't know.I am fairly sure though that if I engaged with the owners/ trainers etc they wouldn't remove the fences and stop the jockeys from using the whip.You are much more informed about this,so playing Devils Advocate,what could I realistically hope to achieve if I went to a stable with a genuinely open mind?

I replied to your comment about engaging with the industry. I said I wouldn't expect to get an accurate (warts and all) insight from owners,trainers etc that make their livelihood from horseracing.You are going to be shown and told what they want you to see.Pretty much like any business.

Bit disappointed that Colin hasn't had more mentions.

I assure you that I have not intended to be flippant.I am also not sure what you think I have ignored. Regarding your link,you are absolutely right that I glanced at it and closed it.As a dog owner,I don't want to read anything relating to dog fights.Should I speak to the people involved. Would they tell me how well they look after their dogs and that dogs fight in the wild?Your posts mostly consist of saying talk to the people who make their living in horse racing and they will tell you what a great job they do.