NATIONAL animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports is calling for tighter safety measures in horse racing ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, at which 74 horses have died in 23 years.

At every single Cheltenham Festival since the year 2000 — apart from 2001, which was cancelled due to foot and mouth — at least one horse has died as a result of being raced.

Emma Judd, head of campaigns at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “As the festival gets under way again this year we know it’s inevitable at least one horse is going to die needlessly for entertainment.