Some of us would like to see an end to racing of all animals (horses and greyhounds). But knowing that it’s not likely to happen anytime in the near future, let’s focus on at least improving the welfare in an industry that is rife with issues. It’s important not to get emotive here, as telling people off for going to the races or using horses in the racing industry, just gets people’s backs up. But it is true that many issues associated with the horseracing industry are not well-known, as they are not reported in mainstream media. So let’s look at what the horseracing is, what issues exist and how to help. Also learn more on how to find help for addiction to gambling.
We have a tradition each year that people just watch ‘the Grand National’ without knowing anything much about it, same as Cheltenham and other big races. However, each year many horses are injured or die, in the only sport that legally lets animals be whipped, to make them run faster. 37 horses have died on the Grand National Course since 2000. 10 horses died at Cheltenham Racecourse in 2018 (7 were killed during the four-day festival).
League Against Cruel Sports wants races of 4 miles or more (with fences) to be banned, these are too gruelling and the kind where horses are mostly injured or killed. National Hunt Racing is the main risk (also known as jump-racing or steeplechasing) and such races include the Grand National and Cheltenham Festival. Animal Aid keeps track of figures, saying that hundreds of horses die on the race course yearly (this does not include figures for death during training or elective euthanasia). It also wants a reduction on number of horses and making fences more managable for tiring horses.
Most importantly, it wants a government body responsible for welfare or racehorses, as presently the racing industry self-regulates. 13,000 foals are born into the British and Irish racing industry each year, due to the huge financial benefits of a horse that wins a big race. George Eustice MP wants £12 million a year (from the racing prize money pot) to be redirected to racehorse aftercare, something the charity supports.
The other issue is what happens to all the racehorses at the end of their racing careers? Many do go onto become ‘stud horses’ for breeding and some no doubt lead happy lives. But with the huge over-breeding, it’s inevitable that some end up in the abattoir. One way to help is to support sanctuaries (Racehorse Rehoming Centre and Racehorse Rescue) that take in over-bred retired racehorses.