Calling all ex-racehorse owners!

British Racing’s Horse Welfare Board in collaboration with research experts at Hartpury University, has launched  the first ever thoroughbred census in Great Britain

All owners of former racehorses are being asked to submit a completed census between 28 June – 31 December 2023. The census will help build an improved thoroughbred data bank about former racehorses and the lives they go on to lead.

The aim is to improve traceability of thoroughbreds after retiring from racing, to help owners with educational resources and, to build knowledgeable and supportive communities. The census requires information on each horse’s equine identification document (passport) number, microchip number, age, current residence, second career, and more to provide a robust view of the 2023 British retired racehorse population.

The six month census has been launched in partnership with Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), British Racing’s official aftercare charity, funded by the Racing Foundation, and supported by World Horse Welfare and Weatherbys General Stud Book.

 Helena Flynn, Programme Director, Horse Welfare Board, said: “Improving the traceability of thoroughbreds after they retire from racing is a fundamental part of the Horse Welfare Board’s five-year welfare strategy. The launch of this census is a significant project to help increase the depth, quality, and volume of data about thoroughbreds at this important stage of their lives.

“This campaign will help us talk about responsible ownership and the critical part every thoroughbred owner plays in ensuring their passport is up to date. We are delighted to be working with Hartpury University on the census and hope that between us we can encourage as many owners as possible to participate.”

During their racing careers the horses’ passport information is maintained with the Weatherbys General Stud Book via breeders, owners, and trainers. However, data for former racehorses reduces significantly when they go into private ownership after their first step out of racing, with general equine identification document (passport) compliance at an average of 20% across the equestrian world. 

The census aims to encourage private owners to check their horse’s passport and update it if needed. Also, owners of horses who were registered with a licenced British trainer will be encouraged to register their horse for free with Retraining of Racehorses (RoR).

David Catlow, Managing Director, Retraining of Racehorses, added: “The ‘social licence’ for the use of horses in sport is under increasing scrutiny, and what happens to former racehorses after they retire from racing is identified as a particular concern. This is a significant step towards ensuring thoroughbreds enjoy a healthy and caring existence during their lifetimes and will provide the racing industry with the relevant data to guide future decisions”.

Roly Owers OBE, CEO, World Horse Welfare, said: “This is an excellent initiative along the road of improving the traceability for all thoroughbreds. Full traceability lasts a lifetime as a horse bred for racing will always be a racehorse in the eyes of the public, and they rightly hold the industry responsible for them throughout their lives.”

There really is a collective responsibility to make this work towards the much needed goal of full traceability, both for the sake of the horses and the reputation of the industry.”

The 2023 Thoroughbred Census can be completed online HERE , as well as at key equine events throughout the rest of the year, before closing on 31 December 2023.

Completion of the census is not compulsory, but owners are strongly encouraged to join the community and participate. Full results will be reported during the first quarter of 2024.