The world of racing has a long and storied history, with the United Kingdom playing a key role in its development. Horse racing is a sport that has been enjoyed and loved by many over the years, and it is still one of the most popular sports in the UK. However, with the sport come questions about its safety for both the horses and jockeys involved. One of the most pressing questions is how many horses die each year from Racing UK?
What is Racing UK?
Racing UK is a dedicated horse racing broadcaster, launched in 2004, which offers its members access to up to 30 live races each day from 36 courses across the UK. Racing UK also offers members access to exclusive coverage of the Grand National, the Cheltenham Festival, and the Epsom Derby, among others.
Horse Racing and Accidents
Horse racing is a dangerous sport, and there are inherent risks associated with it. The horses are put under intense physical strain, and they are also exposed to the risk of colliding with other horses, or with obstacles on the track. The jockeys are also at risk of serious injury due to falls or collisions with other horses.
The Risks of Horse Racing
The risks associated with horse racing are numerous and varied. The most common risks include:
- Injuries: Horses can suffer a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as broken bones, ligament tears, and spinal cord injuries.
- Illness: Horses are prone to a range of illnesses, such as respiratory diseases, viral infections, and colic.
- Fatigue: Horses can become exhausted due to the physical strain of racing, and this can lead to further injuries or illness.
- Collision: Horses can collide with other horses or with obstacles on the track, leading to serious injury or death.
Horse Deaths in Racing UK
Unfortunately, due to the inherent risks associated with horse racing, it is inevitable that some horses will suffer injuries or illnesses that lead to their death. According to official statistics from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the number of horse deaths in Racing UK in 2019 was 222. This figure is unfortunately higher than the previous year, when the number of deaths was 179.
Causes of Horse Deaths in Racing UK
The BHA data shows that the majority of horse deaths in Racing UK in 2019 were due to either accidents or illness. The breakdown of the causes of horse deaths is as follows:
- Accidents: 58.6% (130)
- Illness: 25% (56)
- Other: 16.4% (36)
Accidents
The majority of horse deaths in Racing UK in 2019 were due to accidents on the track. The most common causes of these accidents were:
- Falls: Horses can slip, stumble, or fall due to the uneven ground or obstacles on the track.
- Collisions: Horses can collide with each other, or with obstacles on the track, leading to serious injury or death.
- Overheating: Horses can become overheated due to the physical strain of racing, leading to further injury or illness.
Illness
The second most common cause of horse deaths in Racing UK in 2019 was illness. The most common illnesses that led to horse deaths were:
- Respiratory Diseases: Horses are prone to a range of respiratory diseases, such as equine influenza, which can lead to serious illness and death.
- Viral Infections: Horses can be infected with a range of viruses, such as equine rhinovirus, which can be fatal.
- Colic: Horses can suffer from colic, which is an intestinal disorder that can be fatal if left untreated.
Preventing Horse Deaths in Racing UK
The BHA and Racing UK are committed to ensuring the safety of horses and jockeys in the sport. In order to reduce the number of horse deaths in Racing UK, the following measures have been implemented:
Improved Regulations
The BHA has introduced a range of regulations to ensure the safety of horses and jockeys in the sport. These regulations include:
- Restrictions on the use of certain drugs and medications in racing.
- Mandatory rest periods for horses between races.
- Strict rules for jockeys regarding the use of whips and other equipment.
- Rigorous track inspections before and after each race.
Better Training & Education
The BHA and Racing UK have also implemented a range of training and education initiatives to ensure the safety of horses and jockeys in the sport. These initiatives include:
- Regular safety briefings for jockeys.
- Educational seminars for trainers on horse welfare.
- Compulsory training for all new jockeys.
- Regular reviews of racing regulations to ensure they are up-to-date.
Conclusion
Horse racing is an exciting and popular sport in the UK, but it carries inherent risks. The number of horse deaths in Racing UK in 2019 was 222, with the majority of deaths due to either accidents or illness. The BHA and Racing UK are committed to ensuring the safety of horses and jockeys in the sport, and have implemented a range of measures to reduce the number of horse deaths in Racing UK.