At least 174 racehorses died from racing or training injuries in past 12 months in Australia, report finds

Animal welfare activists say the real number of racehorse deaths is likely higher, as fatal injuries that occur in training or at stables are not publicly reported. Photograph: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

At least 174 thoroughbred racehorses died at the track or as a result of injuries sustained while racing or training in the past 12 months – the highest number recorded by animal rights activists since they began tracking 10 years ago.

The report from the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) was released on Tuesday, one week ahead of Australia’s most important horse race, the Melbourne Cup.