Four horses killed in three days at Catterick Bridge: call for racing to be stopped

Posted on the 28th January 2016

National campaign group Animal Aid is demanding a complete shutdown of Catterick Bridge racecourse after a spate of deaths this January in which four horses have been killed in just three days of racing.

Over the past 12 months (January to January), no fewer than nine horses have been killed during just 13 days of racing on the jump course at Catterick Bridge. A further death occurred on its flat racecourse. This compares with one equine fatality in 2014.

The dramatic increase in the frequency of deaths makes Catterick Bridge Britain’s most lethal track. Because of the rapidly accelerating rate of fatalities, Animal Aid is calling for the immediate suspension of racing at the North Yorkshire course.

Four more jump race meetings are planned for Catterick Bridge in the coming weeks.

Says Animal Aid Horse Racing Consultant, Dene Stansall:

‘Animal Aid is bringing the horse deaths to light to prevent them from being swept aside as if they are of no consequence. For too long there has been a “business as usual” approach to horse deaths within racing circles. It is deeply irresponsible of the racecourse management and the British Horseracing Authority to continue with racing while so many horses are dying – accompanied by an official silence. Catterick Racecourse should shut down with immediate effect.’

Jan 2016 Victims

Poulanassy
Thatildee
Mr Burbidge
Apples And Trees

2015 Victims

Bradbury
Inside Knowledge
On The Vine
Mojolika
Tough Trade
Arch Walker (flat)