News “Aftercare landscape not accurately reflected” - RoR statement following Panorama broadcast

Further to the broadcast of last night’s Panorama, Di Arbuthnot, Chief Executive of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) said:

“It should be emphasised that the aftercare landscape for former racehorses in Great Britain has changed significantly for the better in recent years and RoR has played an integral role in this by helping generate a demand for former racehorses among the wider equestrian market. It is a shame that this side of the story was not reflected in the programme.

“Indeed, RoR provided the producers with figures that illustrate this growth, showing how thousands more former racehorses every year are enjoying long and fulfilling careers after racing. In addition to the 9,010 active horses registered on our database, among the figures we provided was that in the fifteen years since RoR started staging classes and series exclusively for former racehorses, annual participation in RoR showing events has risen from 270 horses to 3,467; in dressage from 0 to 4,148; and in eventing from 0 to 2912 (2019 figures).

“The programme did raise some concerning issues that obviously warrant further investigation by the relevant authorities. As a welfare charity ourselves, we passionately believe every domesticated animal deserves to be treated humanely and with dignity throughout their lives."