Death of Admire Rakti at Melbourne Cup 2014

World Animal Protection opposes the use of all animals in entertainment, including the use of horses in the racing industry and other equestrian sports, where such use adversely affects their welfare.

The risk of death in flat racing is approximately one fatality per 1,000 horse starts – those aren’t good odds for the horses.

Protection of the welfare of animals used for entertainment purposes such as horse racing should always be the top priority; if the welfare of an animal is reduced in any way, the event should not take place.

Nicola Beynon, Head of Campaigns