Animal Aid statement on Royal Ascot: heat wave created unacceptable risk to horse’s lives
Royal Ascot ends the life of at least one horse, with multiple whip offences also seen at this year’s event.
Posted 20 Jun 2022
Aintree event claims another equine victim
Posted on the 11th April 2005
The tradition of horse deaths at the notorious Grand National three-day meeting continued at this year's event when Lilium de Cotte died on Friday after suffering a massive haemorrhage while running in the 5.30 John Smith's Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle race. The six-year-old pulled up before the sixth of 13 obstacles in the three mile race.
There have now been 30 equine fatalities at the three-day event since 1997.
Aintree Racecourse was revealed as Britain’s second deadliest in Animal Aid’s recent report, This Unsporting Life. Only Cheltenham topped the Merseyside course in the Death League, with 21 fatalities in just 54 days of racing.
Says Andrew Tyler, Director of Animal Aid:
“Once again, news of the Aintree death was suppressed amidst the general celebrations and back-slapping. Horses are increasingly less equipped to deal with the challenges presented by modern racing, especially over the jumps. This is due to extreme inbreeding that favours speed over robustness and bone strength.”
This Unsporting Life reveals that 375 horses are raced to death in Britain every year. They may die during or after a race, as a result of injuries received in training or be killed because their owners consider them to be no longer commercially viable.
Notes to Editors
- This Unsporting Life: Race Horse Deaths in British Racing and a powerful 90-second web film can be viewed online.
- A 15-minute horse death documentary is available on request.
- Since 2000, Animal Aid has produced four major investigations into the racing industry. For full background, see the horse racing section.
- More information from Andrew Tyler or Chris Anderson on 01732 364546.
- We have an ISDN line for broadcast-quality interviews.
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