The race takes place on Saturday afternoon at the world-famous Aintree course in Liverpool. Thousands will flock to the track and millions more will watch the drama of the big race unfold live on TV. Tiger Roll is the favourite for after being ridden to victory by Davy Russell in 2018. But PETA has launched a Twitter campaign urging punters to think twice before betting on this year’s Grand National and has also called on ITV pull the plug on its coverage of the event.

To date, 82 horses have died in the Grand National race

PETA spokeswoman

A PETA spokeswoman said: “To date, 82 horses have died in the Grand National race – as well as many others across the annual three-day festival.

“Last year, 10-year-old Lilbitluso was euthanised after falling at the Canal Turn fence on the first day of the event.

“Horses who fall, are injured, or die endure a traumatic experience – a stomach-churning mess of tangled limbs, fractured bones, and broken spines.

“Whatever the results of this year’s Grand National, there’s one thing that’s a safe bet – horses will suffer as a result of the unethical spectacle at Aintree.”

Latest from Liverpool LIVE from the Grand National

The group has written an open letter to ITV Chairman Sir Peter Bazalgette urging the broadcaster to drop coverage of Saturday’s big race.

The letter says: “Fortunately, the public is starting to recognise that the opportunity to wear a fancy hat doesn’t justify this cruelty, and many people are now turning their backs on this form of animal abuse.

“As one of the UK’s leading television networks, ITV should be at the forefront of this movement by promoting ethical programming and refusing to broadcast an archaic spectacle in which animals are treated like nothing more than objects for our entertainment and disposed of like old betting slips.

“I urge you to help prevent horses from being raced to their deaths in the name of ‘sport’ by ceasing to air the Grand National.”

Express.co.uk has contacted ITV for its response to the PETA campaign.

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