British Racing Reports Lowest Average Fatality Rate In At Least Two Decades

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) published statistics this week that show horse racing’s fatality rate at its lowest number on record.

According to the Racing Post, the 2018 fatality rate was .22 percent, higher than in prior years. However, the five-year rolling average fatality rate, including last year’s numbers, was .19 percent, the lowest figure since the stat was first produced in 1998. The number has been as high as .28 percent.

“We will never rest on our laurels,” said David Sykes, the BHA’s director of equine health and welfare. “We must continue to raise our ambitions when it comes to safety. New research methods, science and the use of data affords constant opportunities to learn and improve.”

The Racing Post says the lower fatality rate is thought to be due to a number of factors, including training methods, veterinary care, racecourse maintenance and overall industry awareness.