Racehorse deaths reach highest level since 2014 according to British Horseracing Authority

The latest figures based on British racecourses have shifted the downward trend with a review of deaths at Cheltenham Festival warning welfare issues threaten the sport's future

Racehorse deaths at British racecourses are at the highest level they have been since 2014, according to the British Horseracing Authority.

From 93,004 runners last year, 202 died, changing the previously encouraging downward trend in the figure.

The 0.22 per cent rate matches the figure from 2014, up from last year, when 0.18 per cent of runners died - 167 from 91,360.

BHA chief regulatory officer Brant Dunshea has led the call to “raise our ambitions in this area.

“The government has publicly said as much, and we must consider the risk to the long-term future of the sport should equine injuries lead to public perception of the sport changing,” he said.

“We must stay ahead of public opinion, and we cannot simply regulate our way to success – we all need to work together on this issue.”

Seven horses died at Cheltenham Festival last year with a review on the four-day meet warning that welfare issues threaten the sport’s future.

Racehorse deaths are back on the rise in the UK (PA)

Owners Paul and Clare Rooney, who lost Melrose Boy at the meet, have decided to remove their horses from the jump racing festival, believing the event poses a heightened risk of injury to their horses.

“Clare and I are very passionate about our horses and whatever it costs we put it right,” Paul Rooney said. “The horses’ welfare comes above winning races.”