100,000 sign petition demanding an independent inquiry into horse deaths at Royal Ascot

The petition will be presented to Ascot Racecourse management at the gates of the Royal Enclosure by two visually stunning ‘Spectres of Death’ on Thursday of Royal Ascot.

Press Call: 12 noon on Thursday 16th June 2016

In recent years, Ascot Racecourse has had the worst fatality record of any flat (turf) racecourse in Britain. And, contrary to other dual purpose racecourses, more horses have died on the flat at Ascot than on its jumps course.

In 2014, four horses died at the Royal June meeting and yet no statement was made public as to the reason why they perished – other than a brief description of their injuries. Another horse was destroyed in 2015.

Says Animal Aid’s Horse Racing Consultant, Dene Stansall:

‘Royal Ascot may be billed as racing’s premier event but it has a shocking record of fatalities in recent years. Animal Aid is delighted to be working alongside Care2 on this important issue. Through the petition, we’ve seen massive public demand for an independent review of horse deaths. The strength of feeling against racing is growing ever greater and is something that racing must recognise.’

* 103, 274 at 9am Monday 13 June 2016

Notes to editors

• View up-to-date petition figures
• Since Animal Aid launched its online database of on-course horse deaths, 26 horses have died racing at Ascot Racecourse. Fifteen of those died on the Flat racecourse (nine during the Royal Ascot June meetings). Eleven horses have died on Ascot’s National Hunt (jump) course.

More information

• For full background and interviews, contact Dene Stansall on 01732 364546.
• The ‘Spectres of Death’ are played by:
  Victoria Eisermann: Former model, co-founder of K-9 Angels, and radio host. Victoria’s passion is saving animals.
  Pola Pospieszalska: Polish pop star, co-founder of K-9 Angels, and animal rights activist.