Welfare report hailed as a 'watershed moment for British racing'

Welfare bodies have welcomed the publication of a new five-year strategy for British racing with the work hailed as a “real watershed moment” for the sport.

The document produced by the independent Horse Welfare Board (HWB) focuses on providing racing with an overarching plan and approach to the care of its equine participants before, during and after their time in the sport.

Such a move has been greeted positively on the whole by animal welfare organisations, although concerns around the place of the whip in racing continue to cause angst.

World Horse Welfare (WHW) believe the publication provides a clear direction and framework for racing to work towards.

Roly Owers, WHW chief executive, said: “We applaud the publication of this strategy. It represents a real watershed moment for British racing, as it not only sees the first truly integrated approach to equine welfare across the industry, but it also clearly recognises the importance of public perception and its relevance to the future of racing.

"In particular we welcome the plans to promote the best possible quality of life for racehorses throughout their lives before, during and after racing, as well as plans to collect data to support an evidence-based approach to improving general welfare and reduction of injury and fatalities.”

Owers argued that any changes to use of the whip emanating from the BHA’s consultation needed to “bring about real behaviour change” and that for racing’s social licence with the public to continue, the sport “must reflect the values of society”.

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He added: “Without doubt there are going to be some challenging days ahead but World Horse Welfare will support British racing to implement the Board’s recommendations, which have the potential both to create a bright future for the sport and enhance the wellbeing of the thousands of racehorses involved.”

The views of WHW were broadly echoed by the RSPCA, although the group continues to have significant worries about the whip.

A statement from the charity said: "We look forward to contributing to the announced consultation on the use of the whip – something we have had long-standing concerns about, and which we would like to see used for safety only and no longer permitted for encouragement.

“We also look forward to contributing to the evolution of the strategy, continuing to engage with the BHA and others in the racing industry, with the sole aim being improvement of the welfare of the thousands of horses involved in racing, encompassing both their physical and mental health, so that each and every horse enjoys a good quality of life.”

The report was also embraced by the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), with the body aiming to help educate owners on their responsibility to horses once they have exited the sport.

The HWB stated there was a “lack of awareness of the extent of individual responsibilities” towards the horse from owners, who often expect trainers to take sole responsibility for horses no longer racing.

Charlie Liverton, ROA chief executive and HWB member, said: “The ROA board is fully supportive of the strategy and is looking forward to working with the HWB to activate those elements that are most pertinent to owners.

“One of the things that may put off tomorrow’s owner is a lack of understanding of welfare, so if we can provide clarity about just how well these horses are looked after daily then it will give owners much greater comfort in what they’re looking to invest in.”

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