Responsibility for the care of our animals rests with everyone in the sport from the people who independently govern and regulate racing, through to racecourses, the sport’s participants and the 6,000 stable staff whose role it is to care for the 14,000 horses in training at any one time, British horseracing is run by people with a deep love of horses.

Our common objective when it comes to welfare is for a British racing industry with agreed, transparent, world-leading standards of equine care for the whole life of our horses; a commitment to innovate and make ongoing, measurable improvements based on clear evidence; delivered through a coherent, proactive strategy with the full engagement of our sport.

“The British horseracing industry is unified in its commitment to the welfare of our animals and we strive for the highest standards, constantly investing in research and education.

We are proud of our record on equine welfare, but we must never stand still when it comes to making our sport safer for our horses and ensuring they receive the best possible standards of care. This should be the case from the moment they are born until well after the end of their racing careers.

The BHA is the sport’s independent regulator and is responsible for setting and enforcing the standards that the industry must adhere to. Nothing has a higher priority for the BHA and those involved in British racing” said Nick Rust, BHA Chief Executive.

Michael Owen stars in short “Horse Comes First” film which showcases the premier league care received by British racehorses.