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Level 3 – Intermediate
Steeplechasing – a British tradition
One of the most popular sporting events in Britain is the Grand National steeplechase, which is held every year at Aintree racecourse near Liverpool. It is broadcast on television all over the world and watched by millions of people in Britain. Steeplechasing is the oldest form of horseracing. Originally, it was a cross-country race from one village to another in which horses would gallop across fields, jumping hedges, fences and streams on their way.
Today, there are special racecourses with fences and the Grand National, which was first run in 1839, is considered by many enthusiasts to be the highlight of the season.
Unfortunately, the race is also dangerous and eighteen horses have been killed in the event since 1979. Many animal-rights groups would like to see the race banned, and they hold protest meetings every year. They say that it is cruel to the horses. A ban, however, is unlikely because of the importance and popularity of the race and also because it is a great publicity event for the horseracing industry.
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C2 Mastery
