(Newbury Paddock: The racecourse has removed cables in the paddock area following fatalities)
The events of this weekend witnessed in the Newbury paddock are hopefully never to be repeated again. A distressing event ending in the deaths of two racehorses and the stress caused to many others resulting in the dismissal of the remainder of the Newbury racecard.
Occasions such as these are infrequent and should not overshadow the wonderful sport of horse racing. It is fortunate not to have effected (physically) any human. As Ruby Walsh states in his autobiography, it is horrible when racehorses die but it is nothing compared to when people die. And this does happen, more common than perhaps the weekend racing enthusiast may know. That is not to say they should be aware, but it is a fact of life for many people associated with racing. Work riders have died on gallops while schooling horses, recently a young amateur jockey died after falling in a point to point event. This dark shadow of racing exists in a sport which is often so dangerous.
A freak accident like that which occurred this weekend will no doubt have an effect on the spectatorship of the sport, cast into the spotlight through media outlets nationally. In a year where reports suggest an increase in the numbers of racegoers throughout last year, despite the abandonments at some of the larger meets this is just the occasion which could sour the potential new racing fan.
This should not be the case, let us understand the sensitivity of the animals involved yesterday and indeed everyday, and hose many people associated so closely with the care and welfare of them. Let us continue enjoying this beautiful sport in all it's glory and let us look forward to what lies ahead, the Cheltenham Festival, The Grand National and the beginning of the 2011 Flat season.
(Flat racing: Beverley racecourse)
