Improvements to horse welfare at Aintree

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 - Huge improvements have been made in recent years at Aintree Racecourse to improve the welfare of horses racing there. Changes introduced since 2012 include adapting and rebuilding the fences, facilities and stables. 

From the very moment a horse arrives at Aintree the most important thing to the racecourse is their safety and welfare. The latest developments and innovations have improved the welfare of horses before, during and after races.

Pre-race medical checks

An important part of horse welfare is checking that horses are safe to race in the first place.

The veterinary team at Aintree assess the health of horses so that they are safe to race and are not a danger to themselves or will endanger other horses.

Improved fence structure

Aintree has made significant improvements to the physical structure and composition of fences at Aintree. This has played a major role in improving the welfare of horses that race at Aintree. The video shows how the fences are made up and how they have improved the safety for horses jumping them.

New approaches and bypass areas to fences

Aintree has made significant changes to the approach of each fence, how they appear to the horses and jockeys jumping them and created safety bypass areas. The video shows how these changes have been made and the impact they have had.

Post-Race cooling & wash down area

Aintree has invested in some of the latest innovations with a dedicated cooling and wash- down area. These facilities help horses cool down and recover the very moment they leave the track after a race, in the same way an athlete would after competing. Take a look at how our dedicated team do this after each race.

Stables & Security

The security of horses that visit Aintree and the quality of the facilities the racecourse provides are of paramount importance for the entire time they are here. The stables are one of the most secure areas of the racecourse, closely monitored by the British Horseracing Authority. The security and medical facilities help provide the very latest in equine welfare. 

About Aintree Racecourse / The Jockey Club

Aintree is home to The Randox Health Grand National, the most famous horse race in the world which is the climax to a three-day Festival meeting in April every year. The racecourse hosts five other fixtures and is a leading conference centre in the north west of England.

More information is available at aintree.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Aintree is part of The Jockey Club which stages thrilling sporting occasions including The Randox Health Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival and The Investec Derby. Millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences we offer through racing, music, food and entertainment. Governed by Royal Charter, every penny we make goes back into British Racing to help the sport thrive. We were founded in 1750 and today we are the largest commercial group in Britain's second-biggest spectator sport, operating 15 racecourses nationwide, The National Stud, Jockey Club Estates, Jockey Club Catering, Jockey Club Live and our charity, Racing Welfare.

For more information visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

For further information please contact:

Grant Rowley, Regional Communications Manager, The Jockey Club (North West) on 07884 655990 or email: Grant.Rowley@thejockeyclub.co.uk

Jessica Dalgliesh, Senior Communications Executive, The Jockey Club (North West) on 07464 491507 or email: Jessica.Dalgliesh@thejockeyclub.co.uk