Thank you for writing to me concerning the welfare of racehorses.
I assure you that my Welsh Conservative colleagues and I share your high regard for the welfare of racehorses and other animals. The welfare of racehorses, both during and beyond their racing lives, should be a priority for all who participate in the horseracing sector. We therefore absolutely support the improvement of data recording regarding racehorse careers and fatalities, as well as the usage of the whip, in order to better monitor racehorse welfare going forward.
As you know, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), as Britain’s racing governing and regulatory body, is responsible for the safety of racehorses at British racecourses. They work closely with the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare to make horseracing as safe as possible, and when there is an instance of fatal injury of a racehorse it is reviewed by the BHA and other bodies. Further to this, the formation of the Horse Welfare Board (HWB) in 2019 has also led to stricter penalties for the improper use of the whip.
I am aware that, in cases of when the whip is irresponsibly used, stewards reviews the ride and hand out penalties where deemed necessary. In England, the UK Government actively engages with the sector to ensure that the welfare of racehorses remains an absolute priority for the BHA. As a devolved issue, it is the responsibility of the Welsh Government to pursue this issue responsibly with the relevant sector bodies here in Wales.
I thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Kind regards,