Jockey Club refutes safety claims

The crowds flocked in as ever at Cheltenham this year

Jockey Club officials have dismissed claims from campaign group Animal Aid criticising the treatment of horses.

Animal Aid reported that 375 horses are killed each year, and around 30% of those die on race courses.

"These figures are extraordinarily high given that the 59 British racecourses stage on average 12 racing days every year," Animal Aid said in a statement.

Three horses died at the Cheltenham Festival and with the Grand National meeting at Aintree looming, more animal rights protests are expected.

But the Jockey Club's senior vet Dr Peter Webbon said: "No issue has a higher priority for the Jockey Club than the welfare of the horse.

"We constantly review our safety and welfare standards and discuss matters with recognised welfare bodies such as the RSPCA and the International League for the Protection of Horses."

He criticised the Animal Aid report, referring to the group as "an anti-horseracing lobby".

Animal rights supporters called for a boycott of the Grand National in 2000 after four horses died on the opening day.

The Animal Aid report calculated that 16 horses died on racecourses across Britain in one 16-day spell last year.

"Our evidence points to an inherently exploitative industry that has little regard for the thoroughbred workhorse on whom profits and glory depend."

The Jockey Club vet Webbon observed: "There are 14,000 racehorses training in Britain and they are among the best looked after and cared for animals in the country.

"Racing cannot be totally without risk but the Jockey Club is committed to minimising risk and to continuing to implement measures to upgrade horse welfare still further."