“Prevent the Brutal Horrors”: Deaths of Three Horses Jolt Audiences at Iconic Festival as Community Calls for Change

Any sport involving animals, especially the cruelty and injuries faced by them, or worse, their death, has always been a contentious subject among animal activists. Recently, the steeplechase being held at the Grand National course faced the ire of the same. More than 100 protestors invaded the grounds and delayed the start of the race. Despite that, Corach Rambler galloped to victory surrounded by the cheers of about 70,000 spectators.

However, the day will be remembered for the dozens of protestors trying to scale the walls of the venue in an attempt to stop the race. There might have been something to protest about after all, as tragic news aired from the festival being held at Aintree. The 175th Grand National Festival was marred by the demise of three horses.

Equestrian event slammed by protestors for being brutal to horses

Hill Sixteen, the horse that suffered from a broken neck at the first fence at the Aintree racecourse in Liverpool, had to be put down because of the injuries. Prior to that, Dark Raven and Envoye Special also lost their lives on Saturday and Thursday respectively. The deaths have sparked outrage amongst animal rights campaigners, who are demanding that “much more stringent” safety measures should be put in place for the protection of racehorses. According to a report by The Guardian, the organization Animal Aid has also called for a blanket ban to be put on jump racing.

Dene Stansell, the horse racing consultant of the organization, said, “Jump racing must be banned to prevent the brutal horrors seen today at Aintree and this week from happening again. Innocent racehorses’ lives taken from them in the name of entertainment and gambling. Aintree, the worst of all racecourses, is a disgrace and the Jockey Club and British racing should hang their heads in utter shame at what we have seen over the past three days.” According to The League Against Cruel Sports, Aintree has seen the deaths of 62 horses since 2000.

Read more: 2 Racehorses’ Shocking Death Rocked Popular Equestrian Event in 2016

Emma Judd, head of campaigns and communications at the League, slammed the horse race and gambling industry. She said, “It cannot be more apparent that it is time for change and for the introduction of tighter safety measures in the Grand National, at the Aintree racecourse and at racecourses across the UK.” Many activists spoke up against the Aintree race course, calling it hazardous for the horses.

Aintree comes under fire for being especially dangerous

PETA UK characterized Aintree as “one of the longest and most hazardous in the world.” They believe that the “high risk factor” associated with the course is “what makes it famous”. They added, “Almost every year, horses are killed during the three-day festival, sustaining horrific and often fatal injuries at notorious fences such as the Chair, Becher’s Brook and the Canal Turn.”

PETA explained how excessively high obstacles, while exciting for the audience, can be fatal for the horses, since, “it puts tremendous pressure on their slender front legs and they risk broken legs, necks and backs.” 

Further revealing the horrors faced by the horses, the organization revealed, “In some cases, drugs – both legal and illegal – have been administered by trainers and even veterinarians to mask the pain of horses who should have been recuperating so that they could instead be forced to run with injuries, making them worse.” On the other hand, Dickon White, who runs Aintree racecourse as north-west regional director for Jockey Club Racecourses, claimed that Hill Sixteen was immediately attended to by professional veterinarians, but unfortunately, succumbed to injuries.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) also came forward to say that “British racing works tirelessly to improve the sport’s safety record and reduce avoidable risk.” Nonetheless, the passing of these three horses is a stain on the world of horse racing. It might even be an indication that the animals should not be pushed beyond their physical capabilities only to feed the enjoyment of the masses.