At the heart of the horse racing industry is an undeniable truth – horses die. While the majority of racing horses are looked after, trained and loved, some are not. The death of a horse in the racing industry is a tragic event, and the number of horses that have died in the racing industry is a cause for concern.
What is the Racing Industry?
The racing industry refers to the sport of horse racing, which is a multi-million dollar industry. Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world and is popular in many countries around the world. The sport involves the racing of horses, usually on a track, with the aim of being the first horse to cross the finish line.
How Many Horses Die in the Racing Industry?
Unfortunately, there is no exact number of horses that have died in the racing industry. That said, there are estimates that suggest that the number of horses that have died in the racing industry is in the thousands.
Causes of Racing Horse Deaths
There are a number of potential causes of death in the racing industry, including:
Accidents
Accidents are one of the most common causes of death in the racing industry. Horses can suffer from a variety of injuries, including broken legs, neck injuries, and even cardiac arrest.
Illness
Illness is another common cause of death for racing horses. Horses can suffer from a range of illnesses, including infections, colic, and even heart disease.
Neglect
Neglect is also a potential cause of death for horses in the racing industry. Horses can suffer from a variety of conditions due to neglect, including malnourishment, dehydration, and even abuse.
Drug Abuse
Sadly, drug abuse is also a potential cause of death in the racing industry. Horses can suffer from a variety of conditions due to the use of drugs, including cardiac arrest, organ failure, and even death.
Prevention and Action
The racing industry has taken a number of steps to reduce the number of horses that die in the racing industry, including:
Strict Regulations
The racing industry has implemented a number of strict regulations to ensure the safety of horses. These regulations include mandatory drug testing, regular health checks, and a ban on the use of certain drugs.
Improved Training and Care
The racing industry has also made a concerted effort to improve the training and care of horses. This includes the implementation of better training techniques, improved nutrition, and better overall care for the horses.
Increased Transparency
The racing industry has also taken steps to increase the level of transparency in the industry. This includes the publishing of data on the number of horses that have died in the racing industry, as well as the causes of death.
Recent Horse Deaths in the Racing Industry
In the past few years, there have been a number of high-profile deaths in the racing industry. These include:
- Cliffs of Moher: Cliffs of Moher died in the 2018 Melbourne Cup after suffering a fractured shoulder.
- Verema: Verema died in 2013 after suffering a leg fracture in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
- Red Cadeaux: Red Cadeaux died in 2015 after suffering a leg injury in the Melbourne Cup.
- Total Recall: Total Recall died in 2016 after suffering a fractured skull in the Grand National.
These deaths highlight the risks that horses face in the racing industry, and the need for further action to protect horses in the sport.
Conclusion
The death of a horse in the racing industry is a tragedy, and the number of horses that have died in the racing industry is a cause for concern. The racing industry has taken a number of steps to reduce the number of horses that die in the racing industry, including the implementation of strict regulations, improved training and care, and increased transparency. However, there is still more work to be done to ensure the safety of horses in the racing industry.
References
- Alderton, D. (2017). Racing Industry ‘Must Do More’ To Protect Horses. Retrieved from https://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Racing_Industry_Must_Do_More_to_Protect_Horses
- BBC News. (2018). Melbourne Cup 2018: Horse dies after race. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-46276791
- Gilliver, S. (2016). Red Cadeaux dies after Melbourne Cup injury. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/horse-racing/35060900
- Gilliver, S. (2018). Total Recall dies after Grand National fall. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/horse-racing/43977863
- Horse Racing Nation. (2020). Racing Industry Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Racing_Industry_Regulations
- The Guardian. (2013). Verema dies after injuring leg in Arc. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/oct/06/verema-dies-injured-leg-arc