The Cruelty of Jump Racing – Horse Breaks Neck at Ludlow

Just three horses were taking part in the race on 6 December 2017. His death comes days after another horse, Number One London, collapsed and subsequently died at the same course.

Complacency amongst the racing industry, the British Horseracing Authority, many vets, politicians and law enforcers allows almost daily equine casualties in this so-called ‘sport’.

The animals used in racing, it would appear, have little or no legal protection; they’re hit with whips to push them to their physical and mental limits, and nearly half of all race horses are forced to jump dangerous obstacles – either hurdles or fences.

Gayebury is not only the fourth horse to die at Ludlow this year but the 145th* victim to die on a British racecourse in 2017. Before the year is out more horses will, probably, suffer a similar fate.

Animal Aid is the only national campaign group that works continuously to bring this animal suffering to public and media attention, and we will continue to strive for an end to this exploitation.

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

‘The racing industry has got away with cruelty for far too long. The spectre of death that looms over the lives of all race horses when they race should come to an end. At Animal Aid we are committed to bringing this about.’

Editors’ Notes

* This figure is likely higher as Animal Aid is not able to account for all race horse deaths due to a lack of information by the racing industry.

• For more information, contact Dene Stansall on 01732 364546
• For a list of all race horse victims in 2017, visit Race Horse DeathWatch