Horse inspectors head to Aintree

Wednesday 11th April 2012

RSPCA equine inspectors will attend the Grand National to protect the welfare of horses at the event.

The team will be at the three-day Aintree meeting as part of ongoing efforts to improve welfare for racehorses across the sport.

David Muir, the RSPCA's equine consultant, said: "There have been many equine welfare improvements over the years and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Aintree management have agreed to continue to take into account the RSPCA's concerns and explore the means of further reducing the risk factors to horses."

Chief inspector Cathy Hyde, the RSPCA's national equine co-ordinator, said: "I'm proud to be heading a team of professional, experienced inspectors with a love of horses who will be making sure welfare is the real winner."

Changes at Aintree in recent years include angling fences to make them more inviting for horses to jump and padding of fence bars for extra protection.

Other changes include widening of the first fence so horses are less likely to bunch together and fall, and a rounded chase fence with a clear toe bar to give horses and jockeys a clearer view of the take-off zone.

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