Animal Aid

The following statement has been issued by Animal Aid today:

The Jockey Club's chief vet Peter Webbon yesterday described as a 'statistical blip' the death of four horses on the opening day of the Grand National three-day meet. Today there was one more blip when Tony's Tip fell at the first fence of the 2 mile 6 furlong John Hughes Trophy Chase.

Animal Aid, who launched the first Horse Racing Awareness Week on April 1, today call for a police investigation of the event with a view to a prosecution of the organisers and horse owners under the 1911 Protection of Animals Act, a statute that is intended to protect animals from 'unnecessary suffering'.

Given the punishing nature of the Grand National course and the record of horse fatalities, Animal Aid believe there is a prima facie case for prosecution.

The deaths reinforce the message of the campaign group's first Horse Racing Awareness Week - organised to undercut support for the Grand National meet and to impress upon the public the brutal reality of their so-called 'harmless flutter'.

Around 300 horses die on British courses every year, while the majority of runners - once their racing days are over - are unceremoniously disposed of.

Notes to Editors

• Further information Andrew Tyler on 01732 364546. Mobile 07931 582067.
• We have an ISDN line for Broadcast-quality interviews.