James Given Raises Alarm: BHA Investigates Surge in Racehorse Fatalities After Grand National Tragedy

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James Given, director of equine health and welfare at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), has expressed serious concern over a recent surge in racecourse horse fatalities. This follows the death of Grand National contender Celebre d’Allen earlier this month due to a post-race infection, and a challenging period for National Hunt racing marked by six fatalities at Ayr’s Scottish Grand National meeting and Cheltenham’s April fixture.

Given, who has experience as a former trainer, highlighted the role of ground conditions in these incidents. He explained, “The stats are there for everyone to see, they are monitored on a constant basis and it is a cause of concern.” He noted that risk modeling over the years has shown an increased risk of fatalities, particularly in the April and May period when environmental conditions and the onset of Flat racing contribute to the trend. “It’s usually around the April/May period that we see this rise in numbers… the quicker the ground becomes, the greater the risk,” he said.

He emphasized that every race carries inherent risks for horses, whether in jumping or Flat racing, and that environmental changes amplify these risks. “It’s working out what that risk is and whether it’s that factor alone or multi other factors,” Given added.

Among the fatalities this year were last year’s Scottish Grand National winner Macdermott and The Kniphand, both fatally injured during this year’s race. Additionally, Valgrand and Persian Time suffered fatal injuries during the Scottish Champion Hurdle and a chase, respectively.

The BHA conducts thorough investigations into each racecourse death. Given described the process: “Questionnaires are sent out to the jockey, trainer, the trainer’s own vet, the racecourses, the stewards – it has been a bit of a shotgun approach, but we are refining it, so every horse whether it is at Cheltenham or a wet Wednesday at a lesser track, we are looking into them all.”

In a related matter, acting BHA chief executive Brant Dunshea voiced frustration over delays in upgrading jockey weighing-room facilities. Initially, a deadline of October 2024 was set for these improvements, but progress has been hindered by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, financial constraints, and planning issues at some venues.

Dunshea responded to recent reports showing inadequate facilities, including an image of a jockey using a warm-up bike in a toilet area. He urged jockeys to report such conditions promptly: “If there is a photograph that demonstrates someone is having to ride an exercise bike in those conditions or there is an issue with a particular facility, the BHA officials on the day need to be made aware, the photo needs to be shared with us and the racecourse so we can address it immediately.”

He concluded, “Jockeys are professionals and all riders that use racecourse facilities should be provided with consistently high standards, there’s no doubt about that.”