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<p>The Government is keen that the welfare needs of racehorses are well met, both
during their racing lives and afterwards. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA)
is responsible for the safety of racehorses at British racecourses and the BHA works
alongside the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare to make horseracing as safe as possible.</p><p>However,
both I and the BHA consider that more can be done to make horseracing safer which
is why I have been holding regular discussions with the BHA about this. Most recently
on the 14 May, I met with the BHA as well as the new independent Chair of the BHA’s
newly appointed Horse Welfare Board. This was a constructive meeting where the number
of fatalities of racehorses was acknowledged and both sides agreed that further action
is required to tackle avoidable harm and make the sport safer.</p><p>The Board committed
to doing all it can to improve welfare outcomes. I stressed the need for the BHA to
develop a robust action plan that will deliver tangible results and intend to stay
in regular contact with the industry to continue to press for improvements in racehorse
welfare.</p><p> </p>
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