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Investigation into deaths at Cheltenham Festival
Raya Star at the Kingwell Hurdle, Wincanton, in February last year.
Raya Star at the Kingwell Hurdle, Wincanton, in February last year.

RSPCA to raise course factors with British Horseracing Authority

The deaths of four horses at the Cheltenham Festival, has prompted an investigation by the RSPCA.

The festival saw racecourse veterinary surgeons euthanise Our Conor on day one of the four day festival, after he suffered a serious back injury in a fall.

There were two casualties on day two; Akdam sustained a broken leg, and Stack the Deck a fractured left fore-knee.  Both were euthanised.

The fourth and final day meanwhile saw Raya Star euthanised after suffering a suspected broken back.

"The RSPCA is extremely saddened by the deaths of four horses at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.  Any evidence gathered will be considered as part of a full investigation by the RSPCA’s equine consultant.

"The findings of the investigation, and any possible course-related factors which may have contributed to the deaths, will be raised with the British Horseracing Authority and Cheltenham Racecourse management," said a spokesman for the RSPCA.

More than 450 horse raced over the four day festival.

Image by Carine06

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.