Welfare Science

Horse Racing Welfare Debate

Horse racing generates significant revenue but raises welfare concerns about fatality rates, training methods, doping, and the fate of horses that do not succeed in racing careers.

Key Facts

Approximately 200 horses die on UK racecourses annually
Many more horses are injured or retired prematurely due to racing-related injuries
Drug testing and rules against doping have tightened but welfare problems persist
The Grand National historically had high fatality rates, since partially improved
Re-homing networks for ex-racehorses have grown but capacity is insufficient

Welfare Considerations

Horse racing welfare reform requires sustained pressure on the industry to reduce fatality rates, improve training welfare, and ensure adequate rehoming for all racehorses. The industry's economic importance has historically protected it from welfare scrutiny. Consumer engagement is an important lever.

What You Can Do

Support Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) and rehoming organisations for ex-racehorses
Engage with horse racing's welfare record when attending or watching races
Advocate for specific improvements including fencing design and fatality reduction targets