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Racehorse welfare in the UK has seen significant improvements over the past few decades, driven by substantial investments, innovation in veterinary care, and a collective commitment from everyone involved in the racing industry. The priority is clear: to safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of all thoroughbreds, both on and off the racecourse. This shift towards higher standards of care ensures that racehorses thrive during their careers and have opportunities for a fulfilling life after retirement.
At the heart of these efforts is the commitment to providing exceptional care to racehorses throughout their careers. In the UK, approximately 20,000 horses are racing throughout the year, with each horse benefiting from the expertise of more than 6,000 stable staff. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to ensure the horses are healthy, well-fed, and receive the daily attention required to maintain peak physical condition. For every horse in training, these stable staff members offer the individual care and attention necessary to meet the demands of their rigorous training schedules.
The condition of horses before the races doesn’t affect only their owners and fans. As horse racing and betting are inseparable in the UK, any injuries, the horse’s history, and future prognosis all affect online racing tips, where those who keep one ear on the ground can have a substantial lead over the others who wish to place their bets on any potential winners. Now AI-powered tools can put together some astonishing analyses, based on both reported horse care specifics and previous results.
But one of the key pillars of improving racehorse welfare has been the investment in veterinary research and education. Over the last 20 years, more than £47 million has been dedicated to advancing veterinary science. This funding has led to breakthroughs in horse health and well-being, benefiting all breeds, but particularly the thoroughbred. From better injury prevention techniques to improvements in recovery after race events, these advancements ensure that horses receive the highest standards of medical attention. The continued evolution of this research plays a crucial role in shaping the future of horse welfare in the sport.
The safety of the horses during race days is also paramount. At major events such as the Cheltenham Festival, racecourses employ a range of measures to ensure every horse is fit to race. In 2024, for example, nine vets, six horse ambulances, three vet nurses, and six horse catchers were available to care for the horses throughout the day. Before racing, every runner was checked by a vet to ensure they were physically prepared for the challenge. On race days, a team of veterinary officers oversaw the welfare of the horses, ensuring that the strict welfare standards set by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) were followed at all times. This included pre-race and post-race checks to monitor horses’ health and ensure that any potential issues were addressed swiftly.
The BHA is instrumental in setting and enforcing welfare standards across the industry. As the governing body of British racing, the BHA works closely with other organisations, such as the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, who are celebrating their unsung heroes, to uphold high standards. Together, they are signatories of the National Equine Welfare Protocol, which guides the regulation of equine welfare in the UK. The protocol covers a wide range of welfare issues, including the safety of horses during training, racing, and their lives post-racing.
While the welfare of horses during racing is a critical focus, British racing also places significant importance on their care after they retire from the sport. One of the key initiatives to support horses beyond their racing careers is the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) programme. This charity works to ensure that retired racehorses can transition into second careers, whether that’s in equine disciplines such as show jumping, dressage, or even as pleasure horses. They are even able to still compete to a degree, where 300 former racehorses competed at the jockey club RoR national championships. The programme aims to develop long-term, sustainable solutions for the lives of racehorses after they finish their racing careers, providing them with a future where they can continue to thrive.
Racehorse welfare in the UK has come a long way, with improvements in veterinary care, race day protocols, and retirement programmes ensuring that thoroughbreds are well cared for at every stage. The strong partnership between racing bodies, welfare organisations, and veterinary professionals has created a safety net for horses that was unimaginable just a few decades ago. The continuous investment in research, technology, and education reflects a forward-thinking attitude towards the future of the sport and the well-being of its equine athletes.
The welfare standards for racehorses in the UK are continually improving, and British racing is setting the bar for the care and treatment of horses in competitive sports. The work done by the British Horseracing Authority, in partnership with other welfare organisations, ensures that every horse is given the best possible care and opportunities for a healthy, fulfilling life during and after their racing careers. Through innovation, education, and a commitment to high standards, the future of racehorse welfare in the UK looks brighter than ever.