According to the British Horseracing Authority, modern steeplechase races have an average of just over 4 equine fatalities for every 1,000 horses taking part in a race.[1] The Aintree Grand National yielded 7 equine fatalities out of 439 horses taking part between 2000 and 2010, a rate of almost 16 equine fatalities per 1,000 horses taking part (or 0.64 fatalities per race of 40 horses). In the five years to 2023, the fatality rate has risen by one-third, averaging 25 equine fatalities per 1,000 horses taking part (or one fatality per race of 40 horses).[2][3]
How many d’ya reckon this year? I have this crazy friend who says it’s wrong to exploit horses to make money and entertain drunken gamblers. Is he crazy?
No he isn’t. Horse racing needs to be consigned to history.
OK, a lot of people will have to find other jobs. And a lot of people will have to find something else to bet on. Tough. It will happen. But it’ll take time.
