Thank you for contacting me about the welfare of racehorses. I share your concerns about the number of horse race fatalities.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is the independent body responsible for regulating the sport of horseracing. It works closely with animal charities such as the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare to ensure that the highest of standards are upheld. As a consequence, Britain is regarded as having one of the best regulated racing environments across the world.
Ministers have been in regular contact with the BHA about racehorse safety.
At a recent meeting, both sides agreed that further action is required to make the sport safer and to improve animal welfare standards across the industry. David Rutley also stressed the need for the BHA, in conjunction with the Horse Welfare Board, to develop a robust action plan that will deliver tangible results.
The Government will stay in regular contact with the industry and continue to press for improvements on welfare. While there is an element of risk with any sport, I agree that it is critical the industry does all it can to make the sport safer.