A group of protesters gathered outside Worcester Racecourse during a family fun day to highlight what they describe as the cruelty inherent in the horse racing industry. They carried signs condemning the deaths of racehorses, citing that 214 horses have died on UK racecourses in 2024 alone, including seven at Worcester. Protesters expressed concern about the presence of children at an event centered around gambling and alcohol, pointing out the risks and injuries horses face, such as broken legs, necks, and heart attacks. One witness described a distressed horse running into barriers and losing its jockey, underscoring the dangers involved.
The protest also drew attention to the plight of ex-racing greyhounds needing rehoming, challenging the industry’s portrayal of their care. Literature from Animal Aid, which is campaigning to end greyhound racing, was distributed. The group criticized the industry’s treatment of animals and questioned the ethics of promoting such events to families. Worcester Racecourse has been approached for comment regarding the protest and the issues raised.