Eighteen horses have been killed in the Grand National since 1979 and although none were killed in last year's race, three perished the year before.

In addition, although no horses died in the race itself in 2000, five were killed during the course of the three-day Aintree meeting.

The charity Animal Aid launched a protest ahead of the 2000 race and the organisation is planning another "Horse Racing Awareness Week" campaign this year.

Last year, Animal Aid held pickets at betting shops using the slogan "Cruelty - you can bet on it".

The organisation wants "the ruthless industry" of horse racing banned and sees the Grand National as the best way of getting their point across to the public.

Their target is the once-a-year punter, who only ventures into a betting shop for a "harmless" flutter on the National.

"You just need to look at that course - the reason why it is so famous is because it is so dangerous," says Animal Aid campaigns co-ordinator Yvonne Taylor.

She dismisses claims the industry's claims that it is making the spectacle safer.

Danger needed

"If they were to make this a safe race where horses didn't face injury, they wouldn't have the viewing figures or the money (from betting).

"The public just don't realise the cruelty involved.