British Horseracing Authority ‘deeply saddened’ by Newton Abbot fatalities

The British Horseracing Authority has launched an investigation after four equine fatalities at Newton Abbot’s National Hunt card on Tuesday afternoon.

The meeting hosted seven races on ground that was officially good, good to firm in places, and after the unusual number of casualties the sport’s governing body has vowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, adding it is “deeply saddened”.

A BHA statement read: “Our thoughts are with everyone connected to the horses who suffered fatal injuries yesterday. The loss of any horse is always a dreadful occurrence for the owners, trainers and stable staff who provide them with outstanding care and attention throughout their lives, and so a day like yesterday is one that deeply saddens all of us who love the sport.

“Losing four horses at a single fixture is extremely rare but this does not reduce the seriousness with which the BHA takes this matter. All four deaths will be thoroughly investigated to understand as best as possible how they occurred and a report will also be compiled on the condition of the course, which is being assessed in order to ascertain whether there are any concerns regarding the racing surface.”

A statement from Patrick Masterson, managing director of Newton Abbot racecourse, read: “All at Newton Abbot Races Limited are deeply saddened by the loss of four horses at our meeting yesterday. All our sympathies are with the owners and trainers of the horses concerned. We will assist the British Horseracing Authority with their enquiries into the full facts.”

World Horse Welfare also welcomed the investigation and pointed out that the deaths underline the importance of studies being undertaken in the industry to reduce the risks faced by National Hunt horses.

Roly Owers, chief executive of the organisation, said: “The deaths of Happy Helen, Hallowed Rose, Bala Brook and Cuzzicombe are thoroughly tragic and certainly need to be urgently reviewed.

“This is not the outcome anyone wants from a day of racing, but it does highlight once again the importance of the Jump Race Risk Model analysis being undertaken by the BHA in conjunction with the Royal Veterinary College, as more needs to be done to reduce the risk faced by horses and jockeys in racing.

“We keenly await the outcome of the BHA investigation.”