Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is sharing the first ever thoroughbred census in conjunction with British Racing’s Horse Welfare Board and Hartpury University. As part of the Horse Welfare Board’s five-year welfare strategy A Life Well Lived, owners of former racehorses in Great Britain and Ireland (where the horse has been imported from Britain) are asked to submit a completed census between 28 June and 31 December 2023.

The project aims to improve traceability of thoroughbreds after they retire from racing. With improved data, British Racing and RoR can better support owners with access to educational resources, routes to compete if desired, and continue building informed and helpful communities. They also hope to adapt welfare initiatives, and most importantly, they will be able to reach out to owners quickly and effectively should an outbreak of equine disease occur.

RoR are encouraging all Irish owners of former racehorses imported from Britain to take part in the survey by scanning the QR code and completing the census.