TWO horses died on the opening day of the jump racing season at Hereford Racecourse last week.

Six-year-old Timber Jack pulled up after the third fence after suffering a leg injury.

While, nine-year-old Gardiners Hill pulled up before the seventh fence, also with a leg injury.

Rebecca Davies, executive director at Hereford Racecourse said: "Safety, both human and equine, is of absolute and paramount importance at Hereford Racecourse as it is across British Racing.

"Whilst risk might never be eliminated in our sport, every fixture at Hereford meets the stringent safety and welfare criteria as set out by the British Horseracing Authority.

"This includes our dedicated veterinary facilities along with a team of independent vets, racecourse and stable inspectors and our own team who all work alongside the dedicated and hardworking members of racing staff who look after racehorses day in, day out.”