Jumps racing suspended at Southwell after spate of horse deaths

JUMP racing at Southwell has been canned after a spate of deaths —including two at last night's meeting.

The sad loss of Cillian's Well and Day Of Roses brought the total of horses who have died at the Midlands track to eight since July.

A decision was taken to suspend jumps action at the Arena-owned course immediately to allow "a comprehensive investigation to take place".

The authorities were already looking into the causes of the previous six deaths at the track between July 1 and August 24, which included former Cheltenham Festival hero Croco Bay.

Brant Dunshea of the BHA said yesterday: "The BHA and Arena met this week and agreed a series of immediate measures which were put in place for today's meeting.

"The course was inspected prior to racing by a BHA course inspector and was deemed fit to race.

"Pre-race checks were also carried out on all horses competing by BHA veterinary officers.

"In the sad event of two further fatalities we have jointly decided with Arena to suspend jump racing at Southwell until further notice."

Alternative venues will be found for the remaining fixtures, while Flat racing can continue on the all-weather.

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