Racing’s darkest day as four horses die at Newton Abbot racecourse

Posted on the 26th June 2024

Horse racing’s most shameful, darkest day in 17 years was seen at Newton Abbot Racecourse on 25 June, when the lives of four young horses were taken. This is the highest death toll at an afternoon’s race meeting since four horses were killed at Wincanton in March 2007.

Yesterday’s victims perished in the most horrific of circumstances. Hallowed Rose fell and suffered a broken neck; Bala Brook pulled up injured and Cuzzicombe suffered a spiral fracture to a leg, both were destroyed at the course. At just 3 years old, Happy Helen collapsed and died of a heart attack after being brutally whipped in the race.

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

‘What was witnessed yesterday was unacceptable animal cruelty. Racing horses in extreme heat on fast jumping ground, I would align to leaving a dog in a car on a hot day. Racing should be held accountable under the 2006 Animal Welfare Act and prosecuted for unnecessary suffering it caused to these poor horses. Horses pay with their lives, raced by an industry focused on betting and making money no matter the consequences. It is time to ban jump racing.’