I WELCOME the opportunity to respond to Rebecca Mansell's somewhat scathing comments (Letters, April 26) in reply to my letter (April 19).

Not by any stretch of the imagination can you classify horse racing as a 'cruel and barbaric' sport. Cock fighting, dog fighting, bull fighting, these are examples of this as animals are deliberately exposed to pain and suffering, horse racing is not in the same category.

In fact, racehorses are nurtured and pampered all their lives, fed, watered and sheltered, with the best medical attention and not raced unless fully fit. At the end of their racing lives they are put out to pasture and some live up to 30 years of age in comfort.

As for shooting them after their sell by date, I may be naive, but usually horses are only put down to save them needless pain and suffering on the racecourse or off it.

I agree that horse racing is a business not entered into for purely altruistic reasons, but that is not the be-all and end-all.

As for it being purely money-orientated, tell that to the hundreds of stable lads and lasses who look after their horses with dedication and devotion, and to the trainers and owners such as the connections of According to Pete and Synchronised, all of whom go through agonies of soul searching when anything happens to their charges. People in the racing industry care very much, as I do, and I resent Rebecca Mansell suggesting otherwise.

My letter was a concerned and caring comment on an ongoing problem, not an extremist point of view couched in personal terms, and as for suggesting my object was to inflame animal rights campaigners, well does she really need my help?

Tony Rushbrooke

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