Stable staff given horse welfare training ahead of Grand National
Stable staff have been given enhanced racehorse welfare training in an attempt to protect the animals during this year's Grand National Festival.
Run by Equi-Ed, an equine therapy training centre and funded by the Jockey Club, the sessions are part of a nationwide scheme to improve handler's physiological understanding of the animals and prevent injuries.
Training includes stride length analysis, physical examinations and skeletal instruction to equip the staff with specialist knowledge to monitor their horses’ physical condition and wellbeing.
Stable staff told ITV Granada Reports, the training helped them become more observant of potential issues.
"I've actually really enjoyed it, I thought it was really interesting," Antonia Heraghty, a Work Rider said.
"It's just being more aware of things because you don't want it to get to the point where maybe they're having to have time off for it.
"Maybe the saddles not fit quite right, but they've been riding in it for a few days now, and now they're really sore."
Yard Person Craig Simeon added: "I've worked in racing for a few years and some things you don't actually know so it's good to actually know everyday is a learning day.
"They're such special animals. They're so smart a bit like your friends in a way. I'll do anything for them."
Therese Murphy, founder of Equi-id, is part of the team giving hands on training to staff, she said its more important than ever.
"All eyes are on racing and we all need to do better," Therese Murphy, founder of Equi-id said.
"To improve welfare we have to focus on the people that are with these horses every day and we have to make changes from the ground up.
"If we can make a small change to prevent one of these horses being injured, that's a win for us."
The welfare of racehorses at events like the Grand National has long been a concern among animal rights groups, with many saying the best way to protect them is to ban jump racing altogether.
'Lawyers for Animal's' campaign lead, Dene Stansall said, "Last year 192 horses died on British race courses, somebody has to be held accountable.
"The best way to look after horses, is to remove the British Horse Racing Authority from their remit of horse regulating."
They are calling for a change in the law so that along with individuals, organisations can be held accountable under the Animal Welfare Act.
However The British Horseracing Authority argue that the rules of racing mean they are held to an even higher standard when it comes to the care for horses.
The festival suffered the first death of the races on 10 April, after Gold Dancer died just moments after winning its race in what owners called a "hollow victory".
The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old suffered a fatal injury during the William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree after landing badly jumping the second fence from home.
He stayed on his feet and kept going to win by four and three-quarter lengths, but on pulling up it was soon clear the winner - who was 100-30 joint-favourite - had suffered a serious injury.
The on-course veterinary team were quick to come to his aid, but the horse, who was wearing the colours of Gigginstown House Stud, could not be saved.
The death means a total of 68 horses have now died at the Aintree Festival since 2000, with figures from Animal Aid showing 17 horses have died after racing in the Grand National alone.
With a global audience of around 600 million, despite the controversy the Grand National remains one of the most iconic horse races in the world.
Held annually at Aintree, The Grand National first took place in 1839 and has become one of the most high profile races in the world.
According to the The University Campus of Football Business, between £250 million and £350 million is wagered on the race each year, with two thirds of those who watched it, placing a bet in 2024.