Welsh Nationalist MP Calls for Horseracing Ban Over Animal Welfare Concerns
A senior Welsh nationalist MP has demanded that horseracing be banned, declaring that 'cruelty shouldn't be a national sport'. Liz Saville Roberts, who leads Plaid Cymru in Westminster, suggested that Britain should emulate Australian states that have outlawed jump racing. Her comments have ignited a fierce debate about the sport's place in Welsh culture and economy.
Social Media Sparks Controversy Ahead of Grand National
Writing on X just before the Grand National, the Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP asserted that the sport 'doesn't feature in the Welsh rural economy'. This claim comes despite Wales hosting several major racecourses and its own version of the Aintree steeplechase showpiece. When questioned on social media about her views, Saville Roberts noted there is 'a growing number of people questioning' whether hunt racing should be permitted.
According to the British Horseracing Authority, last year saw 120,000 attendees at 70 race meetings across Wales's three courses. Mo Metcalf-Fisher, the external affairs director at the Countryside Alliance, challenged the MP's stance, stating: 'Claiming jump racing doesn't benefit rural Wales is insulting to all the amazing people working in and contributing to the sector.'
He emphasized that racing supports jobs, community spirit, and local pride, highlighting world-class Welsh jockeys who compete and win internationally. 'That's something for Wales to be immensely proud of, not something to dismiss,' Metcalf-Fisher added, urging political representatives to engage with the racing sector before making sweeping criticisms.
Alignment with Green Party Leader and Internal Party Divisions
Saville Roberts' remarks follow revelations that Green Party leader Zack Polanski has also advocated for ending horseracing, a sport enjoyed by millions and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. The vegan left-winger has long criticized racing, posting on social media in 2024 that the Aintree event combines 'gambling and animal cruelty'. In 2021, he wrote: 'There's something deeply wrong with society when this is considered a sport. We need to ban horse racing - and indeed all forms of animal cruelty.'
Polanski defended his position, saying he shares the concern of many Brits about horse welfare. While Saville Roberts may agree with the Green leader, she faces opposition within her own party. Llyr Gruffydd, a Member of the Senedd for North Wales, chairs the cross-party group on horse racing, which aims to support and promote the industry in Wales.
In a Senedd speech last April, Gruffydd praised Welsh jockey Sean Bowen for becoming British national hunt champion, noting: 'Bowen now spearheads a golden generation for Welsh horse racing. We have four Welsh jump jockeys in the top 10, a raft of established and up-and-coming Welsh trainers, and successful racecourses at Chepstow, Ffos Las, and Bangor-on-Dee, proving that Wales is firmly on the horse racing map.'
Research and Party Stance on Animal Welfare
When approached for further comment, Saville Roberts directed attention to research by World Horse Welfare published last year. The study found that just over a quarter (27%) of the public believe most sport horses live good lives, while 58% want increased safety and welfare measures. One in five (22%) do not support the use of horses in sport at all.
A Plaid Cymru spokeswoman clarified that Saville Roberts was expressing a personal view. However, she added that the party 'believes that Wales should set high standards for the treatment of all animals and we would build on the high level of animal welfare standards already in place in Wales' if it wins the upcoming Senedd election in May.
The debate underscores broader tensions between animal rights advocacy and traditional rural industries, with both sides presenting compelling arguments about ethics, economy, and cultural heritage.
