Microchip reveals emaciated horse entered in race six months before rescue

A racehorse found abandoned in the Midlands in November had been entered in a race just six months earlier, the animal’s microchip has revealed.

The horse was withdrawn from a race at a well-known racetrack last May, and had run at English race meetings in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

The ISPCA discovered a microchip and contacted the last registered owner, only to be informed the horse had been sold at a Midland horse fair in September.

The ISPCA said the case highlights “the importance of ensuring all sellers of horses update the ownership details”.

Efforts to establish who has been responsible for the horse’s care are ongoing but have proved unsuccessful.

ISPCA inspector Karen Lyons found the horse abandoned on disused development land near Athlone in November. She said the animal could barely stand and staff feared for its survival.

Staff renamed the horse and took him to the ISPCA National Animal Centre for urgent veterinary care and rehabilitation.

ISPCA equine supervisor Cathy Griffin described the case “as yet another ex-racehorse just thrown on the scrap heap”. She said the horse immediately lay down and went to sleep on arrival at the centre.

“We feared he would not find the strength to stay alive and it was touch and go,” said Ms Griffin. “Despite all odds, combined with veterinary care and good nutrients kindly supplied by Blue Chip, he was unrecognisable in three months.”

The ISPCA is asking people to donate €4 or make a monthly gift of €4 on www.ispca.ie to help buy a bale of hay to feed neglected horses. It said the donations will enable it to continue rescuing, rehabilitating, and responsibly rehoming a large number of animals who are in urgent need of care.