THE GRAND NATIONAL MEETING CLAIMS ANOTHER HORSE'S LIFE: GIOVINCO KILLED

Animal Aid, the national campaign group, is shocked, but not surprised, that another horse has been killed at the Grand National Festival. Giovinco (IRE), a 7-year-old, was killed today in the Mildmay Novices' Chase when he fell at the final fence.

His tragic and needless death brings the number of horses killed since 2000 to 64.

The festival culminates in the Grand National, which is notorious for the brutality which is inflicted on horses, with the annual festival typically leaving horses dead or with career-ending injuries. Despite recent changes to the Grand National, including changing the number of horses starting the race from 40 to 34 and moving the position of the first jump, the race will remain a dangerous obstacle course.

Horses killed during racing can die from numerous injuries - broken leg, back, neck or pelvis; fatal spinal injuries; heart attack; or burst blood vessels. The toll is high and unnecessary. Horses pay with their lives for human entertainment and gambling.

In addition to injuries and deaths which occur on racecourses, Animal Aid is highlighting the "Pathetic, Weak and Reprehensible" level of aftercare which the racing industry provides for horses who are rejected by it - despite there being a £100million Levy on bookmakers for the GB racing industry, only around 1% of this is used to provide aftercare for the estimated 7,500 horses who leave racing in GB each year. The equates to about £130 per horse - many horses don't see even a penny of this.

Says Nina Copleston-Hawkens, Animal Aid Campaigner:

‘It is reprehensible that yet another horse has lost their life at The Grand National Meeting - a life that, whilst deemed inconsequential by the racing industry, was precious and important. That horses continue to die in horrific and terrifying ways during a race is scandal enough, but even the horses ‘lucky' enough to survive face uncertain futures where disposal methods such as slaughter and knacker men are commonplace once no longer deemed ‘of use' to the industry. Make no mistake - despite the fortunate ones who may find a loving home post career with a compassionate person - there are no happy endings here."

Notes for Editors

• Read our Grand National briefing sheet written by Dene Stansall our Horse Racing Consultant

• Visit Animal Aid's Race Horse Death Watch site

• For more information, contact Animal Aid Horse Racing Consultant Dene Stansall on 07780 756 957