Cruel course

FURTHER to the call for a ban on the Grand National (Letters, 13 April), it is sad to note that the 2015 race meeting at Aintree claimed its second victim, Balder Succes, who was destroyed on Sunday morning. The seven-year-old gelding had injured his right shoulder as he violently hit the ground during Friday’s Melling Chase.

The news of Balder Succes comes after the death of Seedling, a young horse who broke his neck in the first race on Grand National day.

Additionally, Grand National runner, Balthazar King, had to be taken to a Liverpool equine hospital with serious injuries after a fall at the notorious Canal Turn fence during the infamous race.

Aintree remains a deadly arena for race horses. Forty-two horses have now been killed at the three-day Grand National meeting since 2000. Is it not time for us to stop the carnage?

Fiona Pereira

Animal Aid

Bradford Street

Tonbridge, Kent