The Aintree meeting starts today, culminating in the Grand National steeplechase on Saturday.

Over the three days it is likely that some horses will not return to their stables.

With the best will in the world National Hunt racing regulations can not eliminate death at this level.

As you select your mount, chosen from forty quirky names, please remember that horses are not there by choice, nor do they necessarily enjoy it and only keep jumping because they are so trainable.

There is an element of risk with any sport but horses don’t have a say.

Yvonne A Knowles, Crayke, York