Two horse deaths in just three days of racing at Chepstow

The most recent death, on 4^th July, was a young, two-year-old colt, known as Mr Little, who was having his second race in the space of just two weeks. As he entered the final stages of the race, he faltered on the ground and his near-foreleg snapped. He was subsequently destroyed. This incident follows the death of four-year-old gelding Sumou at the course in June.

With two recent deaths in flat races, the management of Chepstow should be alarmed as there could well be a problem with the racing surface. And with six deaths this year already, the racecourse’s fatality rate is on the increase.

Says, Animal Aid’s Horse Racing Consultant, Dene Stansall:

‘It was a sad sight seeing this young horse whipped and then break a leg. The question arises as to whether or not horses as young as two should be racing. Animal Aid thinks not. And the racing industry needs to review all horse fatalities on British racecourses as the death toll in racing is a scandal.’

Editors’ Notes

• For more information, contact Dene Stansall on 01732 364546
• For race horse deaths since 2007, visit Race Horse Deathwatch