Horror at course as four horses die in just 90 minutes
FOUR horses died in less than two hours at one of Scotland’s top racing circuits, sparking an urgent investigation by welfare regulators.
The animals all perished at a jump race meeting at Musselburgh Racecourse, East Lothian.
The deaths – including one horse competing in its second race – all happened in the space of 90 minutes on Monday.
Kensukes Kingdom, winner of the novice hurdles in the first race of the day, was put down shortly after the race finished.
Later Smart Ruler, a 12-year-old chestnut gelding, suffered a fatal collapse on the course, the second biggest north of the Border after Ayr.
Six-year-old gelding Sierra Oscar and Leather Belly, aged five, were both put down after suffering broken legs during their races.
Track bosses said conditions on the course were ‘ideal for racing’ and promised to co-operate with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) during its inquiry.
But animal rights group Animal Aid said the scenes were ‘harrow- ing and unforgivable’ and called for the BHA to be stripped of its position as welfare regulator.
Racing guides had rated conditions at the track as ‘good, good to soft in places’ ahead of the meet, which featured seven races.
Animal Aid consultant Dene Stansall said that in the 11 years that the group had recorded deaths, only twice before had so many horses died on a single day at an individual racecourse. He added: He said: ‘It is unforgivable that horses are dying on an almost daily basis.
‘The situation is getting increasingly dire for horses whose lives are in serious danger every time they step on to a racecourse.
‘We will pursue our campaign to remove the BHA from their position as horse welfare regulators. Their position is untenable as they are failing to protect racehorses.’
Animal Aid said the 182 racehorse deaths in 2018 was already a three-year high for the sport.
Musselburgh Racecourse general manager Bill Farnsworth said: ‘Our thoughts are with the owners, trainers and stable staff of these horses. The ground conditions and weather on December 3 were ideal for racing but until we have further information it would be wrong to speculate as to the cause of these tragic incidents.’
A BHA spokesman said: ‘For four horses to be fatally injured on one day of racing is very rare. The BHA’s inspector of courses will be visiting Musselburgh to carry out a full inspection.’