RSPCA logo

RSPCA pleased as horses survive the National

RSPCA pleased as horses survive the National

First Grand National since 2010 to see all horses surviving the race

The RSPCA is hopeful that the changes made to the Aintree course helped to avoid fatalities in the first Grand National in three years.

For the second year running the RSPCA had a team of experienced equine inspectors present at the course who helped to oversee the welfare of the competing horses.

Following the deaths of Synchronised and According to Pete in last year’s race, the equine inspectors and the RSPCA’s equine consultant David Muir identified specific changes needed to safeguard equine welfare and worked with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the management of Aintree to make those changes.

As a result, in September 2012, the BHA announced a programme of changes including the alteration of the fence cores to create a more forgiving structure in the event of a horse catching the fence; reform of the start area to reduce levels of stress for horses and reducing the distance to the first fence; and more work on the improvement of drop landing zones.

David Muir said:  “It is great news that all these horses finished the race unscathed and that we have seen this race finish without serious injury or death.

“Although the testing nature of the Grand National will always produce a higher level of risk, that risk must be appropriate and we are hopeful that the changes made so far have gone some way to create a good race which doesn’t have to involve the suffering of animals.”

RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant said: “We are delighted that the changes seen to have contributed to a safe yet competitive race. We do note that a number of horses appeared very tired towards the end of the race. We will examine this in preparing our report for the British Horse Association and Aintree on the whole meeting.

““We are grateful to Aintree and the BHA for working with us and making the improvements and we think that this constructive dialogue is the best way to improve the welfare of racehorses.”

The RSPCA has successfully worked closely with the British Horseracing Authority and the management of Aintree in recent years to introduce a number of welfare improvements including:

  The provision of going no faster than good with investment in watering equipment to ensure a safe racing surface*

  Fences have been modified to make them safer with changes to the unforgiving concrete which formed the cores previously**

  The introduction of shock absorbent whips

  Whip rules which restrict the number of times a jockey can use the whip during a race

  Pre-race veterinary inspections for all horses

  Run-out areas have been created to allow loose horses to leave the course safely

  Tighter entry controls for horses and riders, eg no amateur jockeys are permitted, handicap levels have been raised and the BHA can declare any horse unfit

  Rubberised walkways to prevent horses slipping and getting injured

  Jockeys can no longer remount horses if they have fallen

The welfare of retired racehorses and all other equines in England and Wales is of great concern to the RSPCA and a lack of money for food and overbreeding combined with irresponsible ownership has resulted in thousands of horses being left without proper care.  In 2012, the number of charges in relation to equines almost doubled to 779 from 426 in 2011.

The RSPCA also received more than 23,000 complaints about horse welfare in 2012 (23,019).

RSPCA chief inspector Cathy Hyde said:  “I have responsibility for coordinating our work on equine welfare and we are seeing increasing numbers of horses left ‘fly grazed’ on other peoples’ land and denied access to adequate food, water and veterinary treatment.  We are calling for better enforcement of the equine passport system which we hope will put some of the responsibility back onto owners.”

 

ends

Notes to editors

* The firmer the going the faster horses run and the greater the risk

**Modifications include angling fences to make them more inviting for horses to jump, padding of fence bars for extra protection, widening of the first fence so horses are less likely to bunch together and fall, rounded chase fence with a clear toe bar to give horses and jockeys a clearer view of the take-off zone, improvements to Becher's Brook on the landing side include a higher landing zone, a large ditch has been removed, the steep bank reduced.

Dogs come in all shapes, sizes and breeds! Check out our top tips for
canine care: http://blogs.rspca.org.uk/insights/2013/01/03/meeting-your-dogs-welfare-needs/

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals registered charity no: 219099 Registered office: RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 9RS