The Truth About Racehorse Fatalities - Breaking Down the Numbers
- Grab the Reins
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Horse racing is a thrilling sport with deep traditions, but it also comes with risks—especially for the equine athletes involved. While safety measures have improved significantly, racehorse fatalities remain a concern. In this article, we’ll break down the statistics to provide a clearer picture of how racehorse fatalities compare to the total number of horses running in races.
How Many Horses Run in Races?
Each year, thousands of horses compete in races across the UK. In 2023, there were 87,619 race starts recorded in British racing [1]
This includes both flat and jumps racing, with horses competing in various distances and conditions.
Racehorse Fatality Rates
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) tracks racehorse fatalities to monitor safety improvements. In 2023, there were 158 recorded fatalities from racehorses that died either during a race or within 48 hours due to injuries sustained [2]
To put this into perspective:
Overall fatality rate: 0.18% (158 deaths out of 87,619 runners).
Decimal representation: 0.0018 (meaning fewer than 2 horses per 1,000 race starts).
Jump racing fatalities: 112 deaths from 29,947 runners, equating to 0.37% or 0.0037.
Flat racing fatalities: Lower than jump racing, but still monitored closely.
How Have Fatality Rates Changed Over Time?
The five-year rolling average for racehorse fatalities has declined to 0.20%, showing gradual improvements in safety [3]
In 2022, the fatality rate was 0.20% (169 deaths from 86,419 runners).
In 2023, the rate dropped to 0.18% (158 deaths from 87,619 runners).
Jump racing remains riskier than flat racing, but safety measures—such as improved track designs, veterinary monitoring, and stricter regulations—have contributed to reducing fatalities.
What’s Being Done to Improve Racehorse Safety?
The racing industry has implemented several measures to enhance horse welfare:
Pre-race veterinary checks to ensure horses are fit to compete.
Safer hurdle designs to reduce falls in jump racing.
Stricter whip regulations to prevent excessive force.
Post-race monitoring to detect injuries early and provide treatment.
Statement from the British Horse Racing Authority
“British racing has invested £56m in advancing equine health, veterinary science and research since the year 2000. Projects currently funded by money provided by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) include developing an artificial intelligence-based test to identify horses at risk of developing irregular heart rhythms, working with veterinary specialist Celia Marr, the University of Surrey’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences and other partners in the United Kingdom and abroad. The BHA is also supporting a recent project being conducted by Professor Cristobal Navas de Solis and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania looking into the causes of sudden death in racehorses”. - BHA
These efforts aim to continue lowering fatality rates while maintaining the excitement and tradition of horse racing.
Conclusion
While racehorse fatalities are tragic, the numbers show that they are relatively rare compared to the total number of horses running in races. With ongoing improvements in veterinary care, track safety, and regulations, the industry is working toward making racing as safe as possible for its equine athletes.
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