Posted on the 17th March 2021
The Cheltenham Festival confirmed its reputation as a lethal event for horses, with the death of nine-year-old Kings Temptation, who was killed on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival, in the gruelling 3 mile 6 furlong cross country Glenfarclas Chase over 32 fences.
The poor horse fell when running towards the 27th fence. TV Commentators were suspiciously silent as the racing continued.
His death means that horses have died at the Festival every year since 2000, except for 2001 when the Festival was cancelled due to Foot and Mouth disease restrictions.
Says Dene Stansall, Animal Aid’s Horseracing Consultant:
‘The Cheltenham Festival continues its reputation as a lethal and warped spectacle where horses’ lives come a poor second to money making and gambling. For all the hype about race horse welfare, we see these poor horses being made to compete in this atrociously gruelling race over a long distance with too many obstacles. The sight of poor Kings Temptation falling to the ground will sicken viewers. Every year horses are killed at this so-called Festival. But it continues because making money is clearly more important than the lives of individual animals.’
Charlotte Dujardin, a dressage champion for Team GB, has withdrawn from the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is due to recently-surfaced footage, taken four years ago of her whipping a horse repeatedly around the legs.
Posted 24 Jul 2024
On the 22nd of July, we celebrate Animal Law Day, an important opportunity to reflect on the advancements made in animal protection legislation and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the rights of animals.
Posted 22 Jul 2024
