Racing as normal at course where four horses died

Some of my colleagues have been killed, and I know I could be too. But I am not scared

RACING is due to go ahead tomorrow at a course where four horses died in a day.

Musselburgh racecourse in East Lothian was inspected by the British Horseracing Authority which sent a team of course inspectors out after the deaths of the animals in individual incidents last Monday.

General manager Bill Farnsworth said he believed they were “a unique but unfortunate coincidence” and not a reflection on the racing conditions on or the procedures followed at every race meeting at Musselburgh.

He said: “We understand the concerns of the racing industry and the general public following such an unusual chain of events. However, we were confident that the deaths were not related to track conditions.

“Racing goes ahead on Monday as scheduled and we will endeavour to uphold best practice and to adhere to the highest safety and welfare standards in supporting the owners, trainers, jockeys and horses taking part in racing at Musselburgh.”

A BHA statement said: “The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed that Musselburgh’s fixture on December 10 will go ahead as planned.

“This is following a thorough inspection by a member of the BHA’s team of course inspectors.

“The BHA are in the process of fully investigating the circumstances surrounding the four fatalities. The inspection as part of that investigation has been completed and does not suggest there is any reason why Monday’s fixture cannot go ahead.”