King George Racing Weekend: suffering behind the scenes

Horses die about every other day as a result of racing on British racecourses. Just a few weeks ago, a two-year-old horse named Harry’s Girl was killed during Royal Ascot. In fact, our Horse Death Watch Site has now named more than 3,000 horses who have been killed as a result of racing since 2007. That is 3,000 individual animals who did not want to die.

Furthermore, the Ascot website states; ‘The racecourse is in full bloom and the atmosphere is electric with top-quality action on the track. Off the track, the racecourse is a whirlwind of colour and laughter as racegoers don summer occasionwear, catch up with friends and sample the many bars and eateries on offer under the summer sun’.

The reality? The racecourse is a hazardous place for the horses who are at risk of injuries, and even death. And off the track? Horses face lives of gruelling routine, painful riding aids, inherent exploitation and constant risk of being rejected for not racing fast enough. Vulnerable futures await the horses who have not won big prizes for owners and trainers. They may be shipped off to another abusive industry, killed by a ‘knackerman’, sent to slaughter, or sold from person to person in downward spiral of neglect.

Despite promises of sunshine and sparkles, the truth of the horse racing industry is grubby and bleak. Don’t be fooled by clever marketing and glossy photos. Find out more here and take a stand against animal suffering.

Ways to help horses:

• Take the pledge to never attend or bet on horse racing
• Read our report Victims of Abuse in British Horse Racing
• Visit Animal Aid’s Race Horse Death Watch site
• Order campaign resources such as leaflets and posters by emailing info@animalaid.org.uk
• Share our social media posts