A fresh report by the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) reveals that at least 174 thoroughbred racehorses died while racing or training in Australia over the past 12 months, representing the highest figure recorded since the group began monitoring a decade ago.

The data covers both flat and jumps racing and includes fatalities arising from training and trackwork, as well as during official race meetings.

CPR confirms each death in the list has been verified via public stewards’ reports, media coverage or direct contact with trainers or owners.

Among the deaths, 85 were attributed to a fatal front-limb injury — the most common cause of death identified.

CPR’s general manager, Helle Erhardsen, warns that the true figure is likely higher, since many deaths during training or at the stables are not publicly reported.

The figure follows a Government Information Public Access (GIPA) request to Racing NSW which revealed at least 138 horses died or were euthanised as a direct result of racing or training injuries in the 2023-24 period in New South Wales alone — more than twice the number originally recorded by CPR for that state.

The publication of the report comes one week ahead of Australia’s premier horse race, the Melbourne Cup, and has reignited calls for sweeping review of equine welfare across the racing industry.

The paper notes that state regulator Racing Victoria has come under scrutiny amid claims its senior veterinary officer alleged being instructed to be more “flexible” in safety assessments ahead of races — allegations the regulator disputes, asserting that animal welfare remains its highest priority and that its protocols are under regular review.

Racing Victoria points to the introduction in 2021 of advanced diagnostic protocols — including mandatory computed tomography (CT) scans for all Melbourne Cup entrants and further pre-race vet checks — as evidence of improved oversight; the regulator states there has been no fatal injury at the Spring Racing Carnival since those safety measures were introduced.

CPR’s Erhardsen asks why such rigorous protocols apply only to the Melbourne Cup field and not to all racehorses participating in every meeting across Australia.

She argues expansion of CT scanning and consistent year-round vet screening should be mandated to reduce the fatality toll across the industry.

With the national spotlight once again on the racing sector, stakeholders say the rising death count will put pressure on regulators and industry participants to deliver transparent data, uniform standards and enhanced welfare protections for the country’s thoroughbred population.