Every weekend, thousands upon thousands of punters flock to the racetracks across the country, eager to gamble on horse racing. These events bring some of the most extravagant outfits, electric crowds and a golden opportunity to win big. However, beneath surface of this glamour and excitement, a much darker reality hides – one that exploits both animals and individuals.
From the Grand National to Royal Ascot, some of the UK’s most prestigious sporting events reside in horse racing. In fact, trailing only to football, horse racing is the second-most popular spectator sport with approximately six million people attending the horse racing events each year.
This translates over to the gambling market, as revealed by YouGov, with 37% of gamblers regularly placing bets on horse racing, only beaten once again by football (45%).
The sport generates over £4 billion each year, yet it relies heavily on the levy it receives from the gambling industry which feeds into all avenues of the sports ecosystem. The two industries share a symbiotic relationship, and undoubtedly horse racing would cease to exist without the financial support it receives.
Dene Stansall has been a leading voice for horse welfare in the UK for over two decades, serving as horse welfare consultant for the animal rights campaign group, Animal Aid. His work has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and welfare of horses, including him directly addressing Members of Parliament on these pressing issues.
With his extensive experience in horse welfare advocacy, he illustrated his deep concern in the role gambling plays in horse racing. Equally upset about either side, he emphasized how the over-the-top advertisement within the sport is particularly dangerous, contributing heavily to addiction and preying on vulnerable victims. Stansall went on to express that despite his main attention being on horse welfare, he believed a blanket ban should be placed on gambling sponsorships within to safeguard the integrity and mental health of the audience.
“Yeah, there’s problems with gambling where it gets people into debt very easily, in the past before I campaigned for racing horses, I bet on horses. And from that I was in an environment where I saw people lose a lot of money, very quickly and easily.
“The fact that gambling is being advertised on TV and by other means, is a very dangerous precedent that could lead people into vulnerable situations financially. It can not only affect them personally but also their families. We see on adverts ‘be gamble aware’ and ‘stop when you’ve lost’, take your time, have breaks or whatever, but I don’t think that’s enough.
“So, I think there should be a blanket ban on advertising gambling in horse racing because then we’re not leading people down that road. I don’t think [the public] realise what a big public health issue this is for people.”
When discussing horse racing, the ethics behind the sport are continuously scrutinized, particularly concerning the welfare of the horses, jockeys and vulnerable gambling audiences. Undeniably, for most spectators heading to the racecourse it is an enjoyable day, but this positive atmosphere has led to the neglect of more troubling aspects within the industry, which are conveniently overlooked.
Animal Aid reported that within 2023, approximately 200 racehorses died within Great Britain and that there was 637 whipping offences made by jockeys, which was a 48.5% rise compared to 2022. They consistently expressed their concern that horses have not consented to the risks that are involved and that the horse racing industry has not done enough to minimise the risks involved.
The life of a jockey is not only gruelling but also dangerous, with many riders facing significant mental health challenges. According to BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, jockeys experience depressive and anxiety symptoms at a much higher rate than other athletes alongside increased substance abuse and eating disorders due to the pressures of strict weight requirements. Beyond that, jockeys must navigate the extreme risks of racing on average a 450kg horse, which includes jumping fences and the possibilities of being trampled. It is estimated that at least two jockeys die each year, and 60 are left paralyzed by the sport.
Stansall spoke on the current public knowledge on the horse racing industry stating: “I have been campaigning for horses for well over 20 years - I don’t think the public overall understand the welfare problems for horses.
“Whether it’s the 200 horses that die in racecourses every year, horses going to the slaughterhouse or horses that are born to the racing industry that never make the grade and are killed at a very young age.
“These aspects I don’t think are in the public domain enough. It’s a growing area where there is greater awareness for the public, but it’s got to reach more people before they will question whether they’re going to bet on the grand national or some have their once-a-year flutter at Cheltenham or the Derby.”
Stansall then went on to suggest how those addicted to gambling and horse racing, have unknowingly played their part in the exploitation of racehorses and that the public knowledge issue must be addressed.
“But to the people who gamble every day, I think there are major issues there where there needs to be a ban on gambling advertising and a greater understanding for those people on what they’re actually doing – indirectly affecting horse welfare from a negative aspect.”
The UK government did have plans to reform gambling, particularly in the horse racing field, but have faced significant delays due to the change in political parties. Under Rishi Sunak, a white paper was introduced to tighten gambling regulations which included things such as affordability checks and stricter regulations on advertising. These changes took into account the ongoing debates on horse racing ethics and focused on protecting vulnerable individuals.
However, with the Labour Party's recent election victory, the current review has been delayed as the new administration plans to prioritise other issues facing the country. Stansall passionately disclosed his belief that more emphasis should be put onto the review and provided insight into his worries on the new UK governments view.
“The book stops at the government, the government have to intervene, but we have currently got a new government in. The previous government were going to change the legislation with regards to the levy, the money coming from the gambling industry going back into racing.
“Of course, we have got Keir Starmer and his wife, who are regular race goers. So, I think that even them at the top of the political tree are not aware of the problems that people face with gambling and unless we get action from the government, then I don’t think things will change to any great degree.
“We need that to put pressure on the government to make these changes and make them aware of this of the seriousness of this from horse welfare to human health issues and mental health issues.”
Michael Rossiter is a passionate advocate for horse racing, travelling across the country visiting countless racetracks to feel the thrill and atmosphere of horse racing first hand. His journey includes a deep love and passion for the sport, and he seeks to continue to promote and preserve the tradition of horse racing.
Rossiter grew up in a horse obsessed household where he claimed, “horse racing was on the same level as football for us” and every week he and his father would bond by coming together and picking their bets. When discussing the negative attention that horse racing has become susceptible to, he declared it “ridiculous” and spoke on the many positives that stem from the sport.
Passionately, he emphasised: “I accept there is an issue with gambling in this country, I truly do. As abrupt as it is, you wouldn’t take an alcoholic to a brewery or a pub and no one is campaigning for them to be shut down or sanctioned. Whether it’s jobs, community or entertainment, it brings so much to people and it would be sad to see it go or be heavily restricted, it’s ridiculous some of the claims made.”
In the UK, the main regulatory board for overseeing horse racing is the British Horseracing Authority. The BHA enforce strict welfare standards, with the sport being regularly subjected to scrutiny and audits ensuring that there is transparency and ongoing improvements in horse care. From this, the fatality rate for horses has dropped by over a third within the last two decades due to improved safety measures. Not only that, but the BHA employs a horse welfare board that tracks injuries to ensure horses retire when necessary and help find new opportunities for a secondary career.
Rossiter explained how he grew up around racehorses and how he believed in some cases they were “treated better than himself”. He referred to the impact the regulatory boards have had on the fierce nature of the sport and how the progress the industry has made over recent years has put the welfare of the horses in a better place than ever.
“Truthly, horses are treated with a great deal of respect and the UK has probably some of the strictest regulations to ensure their well-being. From overseeing racecourse safety to medical treatment, it’s all there.
“To put it simply, horses are athletes and like any elite athletes they receive the top tier care, nutrition and medical attention. Some of these horses costs hundreds of thousands if not millions – them prices are not a joke and definitely not an investment for them to purposefully be mistreated.
“The industry has been under constant scrutiny, and this scrutiny has meant that they have had to constantly evolve and improve. So yeah, there are risks involved – but the commitment is there, and I feel confident in the love and care they receive now more than ever.”
The relationship between horse racing and the gambling industry is beyond deeply intertwined, with the former heavily relying on the latter for financial support. However, this close connection between the two also raises concerns within the industry as any significant reductions or removals of gambling could lead to severe adjustments and financial strain on the industry. The ripple effects could have drastic effects and in turn make horse racing a shadow to what It once was.
Encapsulated with frustration, Rossiter voiced his deep anxieties on the potential industry reforms. His irritation became unmistakeable, as he steadily raised his voice and gesticulated, uncovering his unwavering commitment.
He said: “Gambling is an integral part of horseracing tradition and appeal; they’ve been intertwined for centuries. It not only provides a financial backbone for the whole industry to prosper, but it’s key in funding things such as welfare programs, inventive ideas and maintenance of the courses which improves the safety.
“If some of the restrictions said actually come into fruition then it’ll affect the very fabric that makes horse racing what it is. It’s not just about winning money, it’s the connection to the sport, the strategy in making your picks and the memories you make. Without this, horse racing would not only lose a significant part of the appeal, but it would truly be detrimental to the industry if not end it.”
Undoubtedly throughout his passion for the sport has been contagious, however there was an acceptance that change has to be made in order for the industry to evolve past the negative allegations. Discussing the topic, he proposed that the solution resides in education rather than change.
“I completely support responsible gambling initiatives, and I am greatly empathetic to those who do suffer.
“However, it is important that these measures do not go too far and dampen the beauty inside of horse racing. As a collective, we need to work together to strike a balance where responsible gambling is taken care of without taking away from the core experience.
“In my opinion, the key to succeeding is education and support and not forcing overly restrictive rules that will alienate the audience. Preserving the enjoyment of the sport and protecting the vulnerable users should be key – not destroying the sport.”
If you, or anyone you know, is suffering from gambling-related harms – recovery is possible.
Applications for help can be made through gordonmoody.org.uk, you can also speak to an advisor by calling 01384 241292 or emailing: help@gordonmoody.org.uk
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