There was controversy at Aintree today as the two minute silence to mark the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh was flagrantly ignored by several horses.
The Grand National, the jewel in the horse racing calendar, was broadcast live on the ITV. Viewers were shocked as the remembrance was punctured by incessant low-level neighing and whinnying by impatient horses.
ITV presenters were forced to apologise on air for the disrespect shown to the royal family and hundreds of angry punters have taken to social media to express their anger.
“These horses represent the worst of modern Britain. No class and no respect. No poppies either.” said one Twitter user.
“I wouldn’t even turn them into lasagna. That’s too good for them!” said another.
The Sun has led calls for all horses participating in the race to be put down to atone for their horrific sins, while The Daily Mail has gone further, also calling for the jockeys to be put down for failing to control their mounts.
As the UK continues to remember Prince Philip, the BBC has announced that all scheduled weekend programming will be broadcast in black and white with the national anthem to be played at ten minute intervals.