RSPCA monitoring horse welfare at Cheltenham Festival
The RSPCA is attending the Cheltenham Festival to monitor if recent changes to the whip rules have any adverse effect on racehorse welfare.
The charity’s equine consultant, David Muir, will be at the Gloucestershire racecourse for the first major race meet since recent changes were announced by the British Horseracing Authority last month (February).
Mr Muir will walk the course to satisfy himself that it has all has been prepared to high standards to reduce risks for the horse throughout the four-day festival.
Mr Muir said: “The RSPCA recently met with the BHA to share our concerns about the changes and we were given firm assurances that there should be no adverse effect on racehorse welfare, but if there is the rules will be looked at again.
“The RSPCA will continue to provide constructive criticism to the racing industry in the interest of horse welfare and we will be monitoring the use of the whip very closely at the Cheltenham Festival and future meets.”
Ends
Notes to editors: David Muir is available for interview
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
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Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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