BHA to investigate spate of deaths at Southwell since resumption of jump racing

Southwell and the BHA are to investigate the circumstances in which six horses have lost their lives at the track in less than a month.

Three horses died there last Monday, two from falls, and BHA director of health and welfare David Sykes said: "We are currently working with the racecourse to look further into the circumstances surrounding the fatalities that have occurred at Southwell since jump racing resumed.

"This is an established process carried out by the racecourse and the BHA's veterinary team, racing department and course inspectors.

"It involves considering a number of the specific circumstances and trying to understand if there are any common factors. We will continue to work with the racecourse and discuss any findings that the process brings to light."

Among the other horses killed at Southwell in the four weeks from July 30 is former Cheltenham Festival winner Croco Bay, who unseated his rider and suffered a fatal injury.

'Heartbreaking': Cheltenham hero Croco Bay suffers fatal injury at Southwell

The BHA's veterinary team, course inspectors and racing department will join the course in looking into the detailed circumstances of each death, with a view to identifying any possible action worth taking to reduce the risk of further such incidents.

It is already looking into the safety of jump racing, with continuing work on a predictive risk model part of the Horse Welfare Board’s strategy.

Read more:

Three-mile novice hurdle abandoned at Southwell due to high temperatures

Sean Bowen going Flat out to keep busy until jump racing starts again

Ultimate Daily – our daily newsletters from Racing Post's experts, exclusive to the inbox of Ultimate Members' Club subscribers. To receive the newsletter subscribe at racingpost.com/members-club