Perth Racecourse’s chief executive has said the facility remains “committed to providing the safest possible environment” after it was revealed three racehorses died during the 2019 season.
The figures emerged from animal welfare campaign group, Animal Aid.
According to the group’s analysis, two of the horses were “destroyed” after sustaining injuries while one “fell dead” after its race.
The 2019 season did see an overall drop in deaths from the Perth Racecourse 2018 season - when six animals died.
Perth Racecourse chief executive, Hazel Peplinski, said: “All racehorses are cherished both here at Perth and throughout the industry. Each and every racehorse is provided with five-star treatment by those staff who care for them and adore them – we are all devastated when any racehorse loses his or her life.
“Every raceday we deploy four vets, more than the racecourse licence requirement, while our stables and stable staff are accommodated near the racecourse.
“We provide a safe exercise area as well as misters and fans to cool horses before and after races in the pre-parade ring.
“Over the past couple of years, we have invested significantly in an irrigation system to provide safe and consistent racing conditions.
“The £250,000 system has enhanced the racing surface dramatically and ensures that the going is consistently well drained, and irrigated when necessary, to prevent the going from being too firm.
“Racehorses would not exist at all if there was no horse racing, they are bred to race.
“We remain committed to providing the safest possible environment for all racehorses visiting Perth and hope that ongoing collaboration with the industry can help further reduce that figure in the years ahead.”
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) works with animal welfare organisations like the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare to keep racecourses as safe as possible.
According to them, the overall equine fatality rate in British racing has reduced by one-third in the last 20 years.
Animal Aid wants the BHA replaced with a new independent body.
A BHA spokesperson said: “Following the debate in parliament, the government endorsed the position of the BHA as the body that is responsible for the safety of horses and jockeys in Britain given that overall racehorse welfare is improving.
“Government also acknowledged our work with recognised welfare organisations such as the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare to make racing safer.
“The BHA continues to strive to reduce avoidable risk where possible and has been in close contact with the government over the last year.”
There were a total of 198 race horse deaths at British racecourses between October 16, 2018 and October 15, 2019.
