At least 174 racehorses died from racing or training injuries in past 12 months in Australia, report finds

"At least 174 thoroughbred racehorses died at the track or as a result of injuries sustained while racing or training in the past 12 months the highest number recorded by animal rights activists since they began tracking 10 years ago. The report from the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) was released on Tuesday, one week ahead of Australia's most important horse race, the Melbourne Cup. The data is based on deaths recorded in official stewards' reports, media reporting and whistleblower information."

"CPR's general manager, Helle Erhardsen, said all deaths listed in the report had been verified via public records, with racing authorities, or directly with the trainer or owner of the affected horse. The report includes both flat and jumps racing and injuries that occurred during training. Eighty-five of the deaths listed in the report were the result of a fatal front limb injury."

"A GIPA request made by the group to Racing NSW in February found 138 horses had died or been euthanised as a direct result of injuries sustained in racing or training in 2023-24 more than twice the number that was counted by CPR for that year. Twenty horses died as a result of race day accidents in flat races in Victoria in the 2024-25 season."

At least 174 thoroughbred racehorses died at the track or from injuries sustained while racing or training in the past 12 months, the highest figure in a decade of tracking. The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) verified deaths using stewards' reports, media reporting and whistleblower information. Eighty-five deaths resulted from fatal front limb injuries. A GIPA request to Racing NSW identified 138 race- or training-related deaths in 2023–24, more than double CPR's count for that year. Victoria recorded 20 race-day flat-race fatalities in 2024–25, while CPR's broader count including jumps and training fatalities lists 40.

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