How often do you see elderly horses? Probably not very often. Horses forced to race usually die young, but Handsome One is one of the lucky few. This is his story.
Horse of the Week
Horses are sensitive and social beings who deserve our respect. That’s why, each week, we’ll be sharing their stories to challenge industry narratives and help reconnect the British public with these remarkable individuals.
They are not “racehorses”. They are someone - and these are their stories.
Once forced to race until her body gave out, Missy was then exploited for her 'champion bloodline' until her luck changed. This is her story.
Her name was Celestial Noir and she had just turned two. She was killed in her second ever race, killed before she'd even stopped growing - that should tell you everything. This is her story.
His name was My Mate Alfie. With a name like that, you'd think he was cherished, valued, loved. But he was treated like a machine his whole life. This is his story.
Kameko might not have faced the high fences of jump racing, but that doesn't mean his life's been any easier. This is his story.
Horses like Hailey being used in science experiments is a worldwide problem. This is her story.
Just days from turning 7 years old, he should have had his whole life ahead of him. But his body was broken in pursuit of profit at the infamous Grand National festival. This is his story.
I Am Maximus is called a Grand National 'favourite'. But what is life really like for the horse everyone is talking about? This is his story.
Nobody thought Celebre D’Allen would win the 2025 Grand National, at 13 he was more likely to die from it. They raced him anyway, and he died a few days later. This is his story.
Once forced to race, Lady was then used to breed more horses for the same purpose. Then she found sanctuary at Springwood. This is her story.
When they saddled him up to race that day, they knew it would be his last. They intended to let him retire, but the race killed him before he had the chance. This is his story.
In a sport that exploited his body, a game was made of his mind as well. Would he lose his nerve and fall over hurdles again? This time, would he survive? This is his story.
Once forced to race, Nelson tells his story of being truly seen for the first time. This is his story.
They called him Siberian Star and his story is all too familiar: raced, beaten, and jumped until death. This is his story.
Once forced to race until her body gave out, Missy was then exploited for her 'champion bloodline' until her luck changed. This is her story.
Boycott: The easiest way to protect horses
Forcing horses to race has been cleverly marketed as the 'sport of kings' but behind this glossy veneer is a dark and disturbing reality. Since 2007, more than 3,000 horses have been killed and they are still the only animal who can legally be beaten for entertainment.