Race Day Focuses on Aftercare in Britain

The racing industry in Great Britain Aug. 23 will participate in a national program designed to raise awareness of racehorse aftercare.

The third "The Horse Comes First" race day will be held in conjunction with Newbury, Southwell, Great Yarmouth, and Chelmsford City racecourses, all of which race Aug. 23. Representatives of The Horse Comes First will participate in activities at all four tracks and will highlight equine welfare efforts in the country.

"British Racing has a track record to be proud of in terms of the care provided to racehorses both during and after their racing career," said Robin Mounsey, spokesman for The Horse Comes First. "Since 2000 over £32 million has been invested by British racing in veterinary research and education, and the sport employs over 6,000 people to give first-class care and attention to the 14,000 horses in training."

The Horse Comes First website notes that the British Horseracing Authority, which governs racing, "continues to work to further minimize risk for racehorses," and that "none of the 1,400 (meets) held annually in Britain can take place unless key BHA welfare criteria have been satisfied."

Officials said there are more than 11,500 horses registered with "Retraining of Racehorses," the country's official charity for equine welfare of former racehorses.