SINCE mid-March this year, 50 horses have died on racecourses across the country. During each season, for every 31 horses who start racing, one will become a death statistic.

Adapi is an 11-year-old chestnut gelding who has raced 99 times in nine-years. He has travelled the world and had numerous owners.

For a horse to be alive after so many races is rare, but all those years of racing have taken their toll and his last race saw him finish in last place. Animal Aid is calling for horses like Apadi to be allowed to enjoy a safe and happy retirement.

Currently, an insultingly small amount of money is provided for horses at the end of their racing careers. The fate of most ex-race horses is nothing more than a lottery. Some will be bought, slaughtered and shipped overseas for the horsemeat trade, others will continue to be bought and sold.

To find out how you can help racehorses, order a free pack from Animal Aid. Call 01732 354032 or email info@animalaid.org.uk.

DENE STANSALL, Horse Racing Consultant, Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent.