Joint statement

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Arena Racing Company (ARC) have jointly made the decision to suspend Jump racing at Southwell until further notice.

This is to allow a comprehensive investigation to take place following two further fatalities at this evening’s fixture.

A process is already underway to investigate the circumstances around the six fatalities that occurred at the track since between 1 July and 24 August.

This involves the racecourse and the BHA’s veterinary team, racecourse department and course inspectors looking into the specific circumstances to understand if there are any common factors.

Factors which are considered include:

• Any history of injury, veterinary treatment, or medication
• Race history, number and detail of previous starts, interval between previous starts
• Race conditions such as handicap rating, age, class of race
• Course factors such as ground and obstacles

Following this evening’s fixture, Jump racing will not take place at Southwell until further notice whilst a comprehensive review is carried out. These fixtures will be re-scheduled at alternative Jump racecourses with details to be announced in the coming days.

Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer at the BHA, said:

“The  BHA and ARC met earlier this week and agreed a series of immediate measures which were put in place for this evening’s meeting. The course was inspected prior to racing by a BHA Course Inspector and was deemed fit to race. Pre-race checks were also carried out on all horses competing by BHA Veterinary Officers.

“In the sad event of two further fatalities, we have jointly decided with ARC to suspend Jump racing at Southwell until further notice whilst we work together to complete a detailed investigation.”