Former England striker Michael Owen puts his name to racing's welfare drive

Racing's welfare initiatives – in the spotlight after criticism from within the sport at the Cheltenham Festival – have been given support by owner-breeder and former England international footballer Michael Owen.

Via its The Horse Comes First campaign, a BHA-led initiative involving the Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association, Professional Jockeys Association, National Trainers Federation, Jockey Club, National Association of Racing Staff, Arena Racing Company and Retraining of Racehorses, the sport has launched a promotional video in which Owen, who played for England at three World Cups, highlights the care and attention horses receive at Tom Dascombe's Cheshire yard, which the 39-year-old part-owns.

The film, which got a thumbs up from leading Irish Flat jockey Pat Smullen on social media, includes contributions from Dascombe and his assistant Colin Gorman, while Owen outlines of the staff: "These people literally dedicate their lives to the animal."

The former Liverpool star, who also played for Real Madrid in a stellar career, adds: "We train horses in a way in which we try to prevent injury at all costs.

"If you come here and see how horses are cared for and how we train them, then you're left in no doubt they've got the best lives possible."

BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey said: "The Horse Comes First campaign is all about raising awareness of the high welfare standards that exist within British racing. It aims to reach outside the sport and demonstrate how well treated and cared for our horses are.

“We hope that using the power of Michael Owen’s huge social media platform and world-renowned reputation will help send this important message to wider audiences."

Horse welfare is – the BHA states – "the first priority of all those involved in the sport", although the regulator has recently been slammed for its handling of issues, including a ten-day ban, which was subsequently overturned, for amateur jockey Declan Lavery for his ride on Jerrysback, who finished third in the National Hunt Chase at the festival.

Legendary champion jockey Sir Anthony McCoy called it the "worst stewarding decision he had seen at Cheltenham in 25 years", while in a letter to the Racing Post, Henrietta Knight, Mick Channon and Charles Egerton lambasted BHA chief executive Nick Rust, criticising his actions and accusing the regulator of hiring too many Australians, who they claimed lacked an understanding of jump racing.

For more information, visit www.britishhorseracing.com

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