The horse racing industry is a grim and murky business that is responsible for inflicting cruelty to animals on a gigantic scale. Horses are bred so that their anatomy is compromised in order to go faster. Such breeding involves performance enhancing drugs and surgical mutilation. This leads to abnormally fragile leg bones which are more prone to fracture.

In the recent Cheltenham Festival meeting, 7 horses died and the typical death toll from UK courses alone is over 300 horses per year. This is in addition to the number of horses who die in the process of breeding.

The horse racing industry also has links to hunting animals with dogs, the name "Foxhunters Chase" needs no explanation.

We, the undersigned are calling for Victoria Pendleton to quit the horse racing industry as she is guilty by association for this animal abuse. Having gained status as a respected cyclist, her reputation is now tainted. Stick to cycling !

[Video credited by kind permission from Animal Aid]