Horse is defenceless against head-butt

IT was disturbing to see jockey Paul O’Neill, with his steel helmet on underneath his cap, head-butting that poor horse at Stratford.

The horse cannot talk and cannot explain the pain and fear experienced by that assault. It cannot defend itself in any real terms. It cannot get any comfort or reassurance.

And it can’t call in the trade union to take up its grievance. Horses are also defenceless against humans who choose to inflict pain and suffering on them — often on a daily basis as those watching a race in progress can see for themselves.

Like all of God’s creatures, the horse deserves to be treated fairly and with respect.

This incident makes me wonder how these noble animals are treated behind the scenes at race meetings.

Horseracing is a very big industry. Monitoring the care and wellbeing of its most important asset should be a major goal of all concerned.

Instead of PR waffle and public posturing, let the Racing Board make a stance on behalf of the public. And, more importantly, on behalf of horses.

Thomas Carroll

The Curragh

Co Kildare.