RSPCA to raise course factors with British Horseracing Authority
The deaths of four horses at the Cheltenham Festival, has prompted an investigation by the RSPCA.
The festival saw racecourse veterinary surgeons euthanise Our Conor on day one of the four day festival, after he suffered a serious back injury in a fall.
There were two casualties on day two; Akdam sustained a broken leg, and Stack the Deck a fractured left fore-knee. Both were euthanised.
The fourth and final day meanwhile saw Raya Star euthanised after suffering a suspected broken back.
"The RSPCA is extremely saddened by the deaths of four horses at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. Any evidence gathered will be considered as part of a full investigation by the RSPCA’s equine consultant.
"The findings of the investigation, and any possible course-related factors which may have contributed to the deaths, will be raised with the British Horseracing Authority and Cheltenham Racecourse management," said a spokesman for the RSPCA.
More than 450 horse raced over the four day festival.
Image by Carine06
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