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Horse dies on day of race protest
ANOTHER horse died on the day that animal rights campaigners gathered at Sedgefield Racecourse to protest at the number of horse deaths.
A report by the charity, Animal Aid, had shown that 11 animals had died on the track since March 2007 and as they gathered to call for improved conditions at the County Durham course another animal, Star of the Desert died in the 3.30pm novice handicap hurdle, bringing the total to 12.
The charity said Sedgefield was the nation's worst course for deaths out of the country's 59 courses.
In total, 400 horses died within the horse racing industry last year.
The figures and findings were released as part of the charity's Race Horse Death Watch campaign.
Animal Aid was founded in 1977 and is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers.
The organisation's horseracing consultant, Dene Stansall, said: "Throughout the year, horses are perishing up and down the country.
"Sedgefield is the worst course in the country.
"If the public knew what they were supporting with their betting and course attendance money they would turn their backs on this so-called sport."
In 2005, Sedgefield Racecourse, which is owned by Staffordshire-based Northern Racing, was awarded the runner-up prize in the jumps category of the National Groundstaff competition, which recognises the efforts, care and improvements made to improve racing surfaces.
Sedgefield Clerk of the Course, Charlie Moore, said that the course was inspected by himself and the British Horse Racing Authority before each race day and that steps are taken to minimise risks.
A spokesman for the course said: "Occasionally, and despite a total commitment to safety, an incident may occur.
"This does not reflect upon the racecourse's commitment toward or its ability to stage horse racing in anything other than as safe an environment as possible."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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