First thoroughbred census to improve traceability of former racehorses launched with funding from the Racing Foundation

4 Jul 2023

The Horse Welfare Board has launched the first ever thoroughbred census in Great Britain with funding from the Racing Foundation.

This initiative, which has been launched in partnership with the industry’s aftercare charity Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) and Hartpury University, aims to increase the traceability of former racehorses after they retire from racing.

The census will request information on each horse’s equine identification document (passport) number, microchip number, age, current residence and second career to provide a robust view of the 2023 British retired racehorse population.

“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,” said Programme Director of the Horse Welfare Board Helena Flynn.

“Just as importantly, this campaign will help us talk about responsible ownership and the critical part every thoroughbred owner plays in ensuring their equine identification document is up to date.”

With improved data, RoR can also better support owners with access to educational resources and routes to compete if desired, as well as continue to build informed and helpful communities.

“We are pleased to be teaming up with the Horse Welfare Board and Hartpury University to encourage owners of former racehorses to participate in the census survey,” said David Catlow, Managing Director of Retraining of Racehorses.

“The social license 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”.

The census is funded by the Racing Foundation as part of its three year, £3million commitment to the Horse Welfare Board to to deliver the horse welfare projects identified in the industry’s A Life Well-lived Strategy – a five-year plan to ensure the highest standards of welfare for all horses bred for British racing. The thoroughbred census is one of the 17 projects covering developments in safety, data, and traceability.

Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation Rob Hezel said: “Equine welfare is a key area of focus for the Racing Foundation.”

“The work of the Horse Welfare Board, which is funded by the Racing Foundation, offers a coordinated approach to delivering the projects identified in the A Life Well Lived Strategy.

“We trust the industry and retrained racehorse community will support the census to increase the traceability of former racehorses once they’ve finished their racing careers.” 

The thoroughbred census is available online and at key equine events throughout the year, and will remain open for submissions until 31 December 2023. Although completion of the census is not a requisite, owners are highly encouraged to participate and join the community. These results will be reported in the first quarter of 2024.

The census can be completed online HERE