Aintree kills another horse

The Grand National course has killed yet another horse. The Outback Way, running in the John Hughes Trophy Handicap Chase, is the latest in a long line of victims of this deliberately punishing and hazardous course.

While the racing industry will no doubt talk in poetic terms about the death of The Outback Way, he will soon be forgotten by them. In fact, his rider, N. Williamson, was soon back in the saddle on another mount – business as usual.

The Outback Way was one more casualty of an industry that puts money and prestige first, second and third. His death was not heroic, it was depressing and futile. There were no fewer than 247 horses raced to death during the last National Hunt season – that’s one horse dead for every 31 who raced. The death of The Outback Way should remind everyone that there is no such thing as a ‘harmless flutter’. Betting on horse racing is gambling with animals’ lives.

Notes to Editors

• For more information on Horse Racing Awareness Week contact Yvonne Taylor or Andrew Tyler on 01732 364546.
• To view the new report, the leaflet and full background notes visit the Animal Aid website.
• We have an ISDN line for Broadcast-quality interviews.