Horse death toll sparks renewed calls for Aintree boycott

National animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports is calling for a boycott of the Aintree Festival and Grand National race, and government intervention to tackle the terrible death toll of horses.

Figures compiled by Animal Aid show that 67 horses have died racing at the festival since the year 2000, with 17 horses dying after racing in the Grand National.

The League has criticised the British Horseracing Authority and Jockey Club for prioritising gambling profits over the lives of horses.

Emma Slawinski, League Against Cruel Sports chief executive, said: “We are calling on the public and businesses to boycott the Aintree Festival and Grand National, to avoid betting on the races and to switch off the ITV Coverage and advertising which glosses over the cruelty.

“The government needs to step in and ensure the welfare of the horses is put before the profits of gambling companies and the horse racing industry.

The British Horseracing Authority is failing the horses used in racing and the death toll keeps on rising every year – I would be delighted but very surprised if we won’t be reporting on more deaths over the next three days of the festival.

“Horses will be sacrificed for people’s entertainment, something that should repel a nation of animal lovers.”

At last year’s festival, Willy De Houelle died on the first day of racing, followed by Celebre D’Allen who died two days after competing in the Grand National.

The League is also calling for the use of the whip to be banned in horse racing, something that Sweden implemented in 2022 over concerns for horse welfare.

Emma added: “There needs to be a ban on the whip which is being cruelly used to inflict pain and push horses beyond their capabilities.

“Horses are being raced to their deaths – the government needs to step in and ensure the welfare of horses becomes the number one priority and to end the sickening death toll which grows ever higher each year the Aintree Festival is held.

“Action needs to be taken to stop the British Horseracing Authority and the festival organisers from putting gambling profits before the welfare of the horses.”

Ends

Notes to editors

For information or interview requests, please contact the League Against Cruel Sports Press Office on 01483 524250 or email pressoffice@league.org.uk

Animal Aid has published a new report called ‘Victims of British and Irish horse racing’.

The League Against Cruel Sports is Britain's leading charity that works to stop animals being persecuted, abused and killed for sport. The League was instrumental in helping bring about the landmark Hunting Act 2004, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021, the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 and bans on the use of snares brought about by the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023, and Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.

We carry out investigations to expose law-breaking and cruelty to animals and campaign for stronger animal protection laws and penalties. We work to change attitudes and behaviour through education and manage wildlife reserves. Find out more about our work at www.league.org.uk. Registered charity in England and Wales (no.1095234) and Scotland (no.SC045533).