Safety review prompts Sedgefield racecourse changes

Sedgefield Racecourse have responded to a number of race horse fatalities at the venue by modifying parts of the jumps course, following a review.

Six horses were killed in as many weeks earlier this year, prompting criticism from animal abuse charities.

"We've repositioned the last fence," course clerk Major Charlie Moore told BBC Tees.

"We felt if we're going to do anything to reduce injuries, the best thing is for fences to be in the best position."

The move follows similar steps to be taken at Aintree, following the death of two horses during the 2011 Grand National.

Moore continued: "We have had a full and detailed review of all the racing at Sedgefield, we involved other interested parties, the British Horseracing Authority, National Trainers Federation and the Jockey's Association of Great Britain to see where we can make improvements to make sure the horses race in the safest possible conditions.

"The last fence had been being approached in a downhill position, the water jump used to be in that position 20 years ago, and we felt that if we moved the fence forward so that the jockeys are approaching it in the uphill position, it would jump better.

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