Renewed calls for public boycott and government action as first horse dies at Aintree Festival

The first horse, Gold Dancer has died at this year’s Aintree Festival after sustaining a fatal injury, reinforcing calls by national animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports for a public boycott and government intervention.

It brings the death toll at the Aintree Festival to 68 horses since the year 2000, with 17 horses dying after racing in the Grand National according to Animal Aid figures

Emma Slawinski, chief executive at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “Year after year we see horses dying at Aintree for people’s entertainment and a cheap bet. Sadly, Gold Dancer is the latest victim of this heartless spectacle which flies in the face of animal welfare.

“The public and businesses should boycott the Aintree Festival, refuse to bet on the racing, and stop watching the ITV Coverage and advertising which glosses over the animal cruelty.

“The government needs to act as the British Horseracing Authority and Jockey Club is prioritising gambling profits over the lives of the horses.”

The death of Gold Dancer follows the death of Willy De Houelle and Celebre D’Allen who were both victims of last year’s Aintree Festival.

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

Emma added: “The cruel use of the whip causing pain and distress to the horses is also pushing them beyond what they are capable of and can lead to tragedy.

“Horses are being raced to their deaths so we are calling on the government to step in and ensure the welfare of horses becomes the number one priority – this sickening death toll has been added to yet again and this needs to end.”

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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).