Animal charity says 32 horses have died at the event over the past decade
THE RSPCA HAS voiced concerns about racehorse welfare ahead of the start of the Cheltenham Festival, highlighting that 32 horses have died at the event over the past decade.
In a statement issued on the eve of the four-day festival at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, the charity said it hopes every horse taking part in this year’s meeting comes through safely.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “Ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, we hope that each and every horse taking part comes through safely and well.
“It is desperately sad that 32 horses have died at the Festival over the last decade – a situation at odds with the UK’s status as a nation of animal lovers. Clearly any animal fatality is tragic, and this is amplified when deaths have occurred solely as a result of providing entertainment for people.”
The charity said it continues to engage with the racing industry to push for improvements to equine welfare. Representatives from the RSPCA met with the British Horseracing Authority ahead of the festival and will remain in daily contact throughout the event.
According to the organisation, discussions with the sport’s governing body have already led to a number of safety changes in recent years, including improvements to hurdle design, track safety and wider risk-reduction measures in major races such as the Grand National.
However, the charity says further progress is still needed.
“Cheltenham is one of the biggest events in the horse-racing calendar – and we know the eyes of the world will be on Prestbury Park in the coming days,” the spokesperson added.
“But it’s also important to remember this is one of hundreds of competitive horse-racing events that take place across England and Wales every year – and the welfare of horses at all these events is equally important, as is their experience both on and off the track.”
The RSPCA said it will continue working with the racing industry to encourage further welfare improvements, aimed at reducing the risk of injury or death and ensuring good standards of care throughout horses’ lives.
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the UK’s largest sporting events, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators and generating significant revenue through tourism and betting, while also delivering a major economic boost to the local economy in Gloucestershire.
“The very least the horses competing deserve in return is to have every possible step taken to improve their safety and welfare,” the spokesperson added. “We have received welcome assurances from the BHA that this continues to be a priority.”
