Cheltenham fatalities to be assessed by RSPCA
Campaigners say that the seven deaths bring the total number of horses that have died at Cheltenham since 2000 to 52.
The deaths of seven horses that took place at the Cheltenham Festival 2016 are to be assessed by the RSPCA.
On Tuesday (15 March), seven-year-old The Govaness and five-year-old Resorbi suffered fatal injuries on the course. On the same day, eight-year-old Pont Alexandre was killed by destruction after easing up between fences.
Another two horses - No More Heroes and Niceonefrankie - died on Thursday (17 March), while six-year-olds Long Dog and Montdragon died on Friday (18 March).
In a statement the RSPCA said: "The RSPCA is deeply concerned about the seven horse deaths that have taken place at the Cheltenham Festival 2016.
“The RSPCA will look in depth at how each equine death occurred, with the charity’s racing consultant David Muir providing a pragmatic review, in the hope of preventing further equine deaths.
"The RSPCA will be meeting with the BHA shortly to review the races; to discuss why these deaths occurred; and to explore welfare issues surrounding the event.
“The RSPCA works closely with the BHA, calling for improvements to hurdle design and placement, alongside other areas of progress."
Campaigners say that the seven deaths bring the total number of horses that have died at Cheltenham since 2000 to 52. Yet, according to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) fatalities have fallen by a third in 30 years.
Speaking to the Huffington Post, the BHA says that it will work closely with the race course and with trainers and owners to investigate each of the incidents.
Speaking on Thursday (17 March), Jenny Hall, chief veterinary officer of the BHA, said: “First and foremost our thoughts today are with the connections of Long Dog and Montdragon, in particular all of the staff who will have loved and cared for the horses during their lives.
“It is notable that four of the fatal injuries incurred this week were not related to a fall over a hurdle or fence. Horses are at risk of serious injury throughout their lives, regardless of the type of equestrian activity they participate in.
“We will work with Cheltenham to assess all of the incidents that took place this week. We have a good relationship with the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, and, as always, we will work with them to ensure we continue we do all we can to make racing as safe as possible.”
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
