What British racing can learn from the US approach to covering equine fatalities in wake of sombre day at Cheltenham

The aftermath of a sombre Greatwood Hurdle day at Cheltenham has shown the need for British racing to be even more on the front foot when equine fatalities occur.

Reaction – ill-informed or otherwise – to the deaths of three horses on the card has appeared on mainstream news programmes, and a swift on-the-day explanation to what took place is more important than ever.

Following the deaths of Abuffalosolider and Bangers And Cash in the 3m3½f handicap chase, a request to the Jockey Club led to its lead vet Liam Kearns being interviewed by Racing TV’s Lydia Hislop before the Greatwood Hurdle, while ITV spoke to Kearns shortly after the feature handicap.