Call for more money for Cornwall's retired racehorses

Mr Eustice, Conservative MP for Camborne and Redruth, in Cornwall, said in Parliament that more money should go towards racehorses.

He said: "I do recognise in horse racing globally there is a culture of prize money and the UK is trying to compete internationally with others.

"I would contest why can't the industry find sponsors to help provide the prize money?

"Why is it always the animal welfare sector that has to deal with the external cost of horse racing and is expected to go around with a begging bowl asking for charitable donations while prize money is deemed to be a right paid for by the tax payer?"

Paul Massey, from Racehorse Relief, added: "I think it would be good if the bookmakers funded the aftercare of racehorses more than they do at the moment.

"We don't get any funding directly from bookmakers but the horse race betting levy board do apply levy to the bookmakers.

"Currently very little of that is used for the aftercare of racehorses though."