11 horses killed at 11 different racecourses in 11 days

The eleven deaths occurred at eleven different courses, highlighting the risks horses face every time they run on a British racecourse. The victims suffered a range of catastrophic injuries, including a broken leg, a broken pelvis, or they ‘collapsed and died’ – probably from a heart attack.

Says Animal Aid Horse Racing Consultant, Dene Stansall: 

‘Horse racing makes ruthless use of horses, gambling with their lives in the pursuit of money and what passes for glory in racing circles. The industry has done little of any consequence to stem the tide of deaths. It seems to prefer to remain silent on the issue – the eleven victims having passed virtually without public mention by racing figures. Animal Aid is bringing the fatalities to light in the hope that even hardened punters, if they have a trace of compassion for animals, will withdraw their support for such a pitiless industry.’

* 22 horses have been killed at the Cheltenham Festival since Animal Aid launched its online database, Race Horse Death Watch, in March 2007.

The Eleven Victims – 18 February to 28 February 2016

More Information

• For background and interviews, contact Dene Stansall: 01732 364 546.

Notes to Editors

• See Animal Aid’s online database of on-course deaths, Race Horse Death Watch