Given the increased spotlight on equine welfare issues at all race meetings and in particular at the festival meetings, we are keen to take all possible measures to ensure we get through Festival week without any avoidable incidents in this regard. While I understand all jockeys are fully conscious of their role and are mindful of their horses’ welfare, I would be grateful if you remind them that media coverage and attention will be heightened through the week of the Festival.

We will have 4 veterinary surgeons on duty each day of the festival and one will be positioned at the gate used for horses to return to the parade ring following each race. After the end of each race, please ask riders to consider the following:

• Take time when they pull up to allow their horse to recover before returning to the parade ring.
• If any horse is showing signs of exhaustion or distress when they pull up, please dismount and unsaddle on the track – veterinary support will be provided at this point and Blue Cross will transfer will be arranged to either the stable yard or veterinary hospital.
• Liaise with the veterinary officer on duty in this area and take on board their feedback or any concern they have – if they ask a rider to wait or dismount, please do so.