So called ‘safer’ Grand National Course claims Lilbitluso’s life

Lilbitluso was an inexperienced horse who was forced to race in the Randox Health Foxhunters’ Chase over the infamous and demanding Grand National fences. He paid the ultimate price with his life when he came to grief and looked to break a leg at a fence that has, over many years, killed the very best of jumping horses, let alone those who were novices. Added to this, we believe that Lilbitluso’s inexperience was compounded by being ridden by an amateur rider.

Lilbitluso is the 50^th victim since the year 2000 to die at the infamous Grand National Meeting.

Says Isobel Hutchinson, Animal Aid Director:

‘It is truly heartbreaking that a horse has lost his life in devastating circumstances, before the first day of racing is even finished. The Foxhunters’ Chase was a prime example of the cruel and chaotic races that take place during the infamous Grand National meeting.

We ask how many more horses will have to die before meaningful action is taken to end the bloodshed. The British Horseracing Authority has failed dismally to stop horses from losing their lives on racecourses and it is time for the government to step in. This weak and toothless regulator should be replaced with an organisation that will take concrete steps to end the deaths. For as long as these vulnerable animals are exploited for “sport”, the very least we can do is to make sure that their lives are not brutally taken from them.’

Notes for Editors

For more information, please contact Dene Stansall on 01732 364 546