In the wake of the opening contests at the Cheltenham Festival, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the health and prosperity of racehorses.
As the esteemed, multi-day Cheltenham Festival got underway, the BHA issued a communication emphasizing its commitment to the well-being of racehorses within Britain.
“The racing sector in Britain is profoundly devoted to guaranteeing the utmost welfare benchmarks for all thoroughbred horses under its purview in England, Scotland, and Wales,” a BHA spokesperson conveyed.
The communication underscored the commitment of over 6,000 individuals who tend to more than 20,000 racehorses throughout Britain. These individuals labor diligently to uphold the health and fitness of these animals, reflecting their profound enthusiasm for the sport and the horses.
“We hold immense satisfaction in the elevated standards of care afforded to racehorses throughout their careers, both on and off the course,” the communication elaborated.
The BHA stressed its substantial investment in research and training, surpassing £47 million (roughly $36.3 million) over the preceding two decades. This investment illustrates the organization’s dedication to progressing horse welfare through scientific understanding and optimal practices.
At the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, a comprehensive group of veterinary specialists and supporting personnel will be on-site, encompassing nine veterinarians, three veterinary nurses, six equine ambulances, and six horse handlers. Each horse participating in the races will undergo a meticulous veterinary assessment before being authorized to race, further showcasing the BHA’s commitment to horse welfare.
The BHA assumes a pivotal function in establishing and upholding horse welfare criteria that all racing participants must observe. This encompasses formulating regulations, executing disciplinary measures, and fostering a culture of conscientious horse care within the racing industry.
Alongside the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), an independent group, the Horse Welfare Board, supervises 26 distinct programs all focused on enhancing the well-being of racehorses. These endeavors represent a substantial allocation of £5.5 million, with 21 presently in progress.
As a racehorse’s time on the track concludes, the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) organization intervenes to offer enduring resolutions and assistance, guaranteeing a more promising future for these equine competitors.
On a more enjoyable topic, Cheltenham Festival participants will be intrigued to learn about a novel horse racing-centric bingo game, a joint effort between Oddschecker and Low6.