National can never be risk-free, says racing chief
April 15, 2012LONDON (AP) - The head of British horseracing says the Grand National will never be risk-free and is warning against any kneejerk reaction in the wake of two horses dying for the second straight year during the world's most grueling jumps race.
Pre-race favorite Synchronised and According to Pete were put down after sustaining injuries, putting the prestigious event under further scrutiny from animal rights groups who have called for it to be banned.
Paul Bittar, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, says Sunday ``naturally our objective is for there to be no fatalities, but we also recognize that we cannot remove risk altogether from such a competitive activity.''
Bittar says organizers are gathering information from the race ahead of a review.