BHA sets out welfare measures as government commits to scrutinising the sport

The BHA has announced that enhanced pre-race welfare measures will be brought in for Britain's summer jumps fixtures after the government committed to scrutinising the sport over fatality levels.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) specifically referred to racing in its latest 20-page animal welfare action plan, saying it would ensure the sport addresses key issues such as fatalities.

This follows an increase in fatalities in jump races this year. The Racing Post understands there were more than 30 equine fatalities in March, which was around double the average for a single month given the annual total has tended to be between 150 and 200.