Second Cheltenham Festival horse death in just two days triggers calls for tighter safety measures
Posted 14th March 2025
The death of a second horse in just two days at this year’s Cheltenham Festival has led to the League Against Cruel Sports reiterating its calls for much tighter safety measures in horse racing.
The League believes the death of Corbetts Cross during the event’s flagship Gold Cup race has highlighted the racing industry’s disregard for the lives of the horses and the need for a new regulatory body.
Figures compiled by Animal Aid show that at least one horse has died at every single Cheltenham Festival since 2000 with the death toll now reaching 78.
Emma Slawinski, chief executive at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “This second death at the Cheltenham Festival highlights how horses are being sacrificed for people’s entertainment and the profits of gambling companies.
“An independent regulatory body, with horse welfare as its number one priority and which bans the use of the whip, needs to be set up to replace the British Horse Racing Authority.”
The death of Corbetts Cross is the second death in two days and follows the death of Springwell Bay on Thursday.
Emma added:
“Two deaths in two days highlights the shocking cruelty horses are experiencing at the hands of the racing industry.
“It’s time for change and for these beautiful animals to stop being raced to their deaths.”
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For more information or interview requests please contact the League Against Cruel Sports Press Office on 07496 496454 (24hrs) or email pressoffice@league.org.uk
The League Against Cruel Sports is Britain's leading charity that works to stop animals being persecuted, abused and killed for sport. The League was instrumental in helping bring about the landmark Hunting Act 2004 and the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021. We carry out investigations to expose law-breaking and cruelty to animals and campaign for stronger animal protection laws and penalties. We work to change attitudes and behaviour through education and manage wildlife reserves. Find out more about our work at www.league.org.uk. Registered charity in England and Wales (no.1095234) and Scotland (no.SC045533).
