All owners of former racehorses are being asked to submit a completed census through Dec. 31. The census will help build an improved Thoroughbred data bank about former racehorses and the lives they go on to lead.

Helena Flynn, Programme Director, Horse Welfare Board, said: “Improving the traceability of Thoroughbreds after they retire from racing is a fundamental part of the Horse Welfare Board's five-year welfare strategy. The launch of this census is a significant project to help increase the depth, quality, and volume of data about Thoroughbreds at this important stage of their lives.”

Improved data at this stage of a thoroughbred's life can also help the Horse Welfare Board and RoR improve and adapt welfare initiatives, enabling fast and effective contact in the event of an equine disease outbreak.

The census will request information on each horse's equine identification document (passport) number, microchip number, age, current residence, second career, and more to provide a robust view of the 2023 British retired racehorse population.

The six-month census has been launched in partnership with Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), British Racing's official aftercare charity, funded by the Racing Foundation, and is supported by World Horse Welfare and Weatherbys General Stud Book.

To complete the 2023 Thoroughbred Census online, click here before closing Dec. 31.

Full results will be reported during the first quarter of 2024.

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