Calls for changes in racing after deaths

Authorities pledge to review and analyse races after three horses died during the 2023 Grand National meeting

- ELEANOR JONES

“CHANGES must be made” after three horses died during the Grand National meeting, as authorities pledge to analyse races in “painstaking detail”.

Hill Sixteen suffered an “unrecoverable injury” in a fall at the first National fence on 15 April. Dark Raven was put down after a fall the same day, and Envoye Special suffered a fatal injury on 13 April.

The start of the National was delayed as protestors gained access to the course but were dealt with by police, who made 118 arrests.

“Yesterday was a very sad day,” said Roly Owers, CEO of World Horse Welfare.

“The loss of Envoye Special, Dark Raven and Hill Sixteen is heartbreaking and we offer condolences to connections, who will be devastated.

“While it is true accidents can happen anywhere – and risks can never be removed altogether – jump racing poses specific risks that it has a responsibility to relentlessly reduce wherever possible.