Many people, who wouldn't normally bet on horseracing, have a 'harmless flutter' on the Grand National on Saturday. The big race is the climax of a three-day meeting that cost the lives of 30 horses between 1998 and 2008.

It is a punishing and hazardous event, longer than any other (four and a half miles) and presenting 30 uniquely high and awkward obstacles. It features perilous drops, ditches and sharp turns. Many of the horses will have encountered nothing like it before. Forty usually take part. This is an excessively crowded field. Only one third are likely to finish.

This 'sport' is only kept alive through betting income and racecourse attendance fees. Please don't back the cruelty – for you it is only a harmless flutter, but horses could pay with their lives.

Fiona Pereira

Campaigner, Animal Aid