I was rather saddened to see that Cats Protection, a charity that rehomes abandoned and unwanted cats, should use Brighton Racecourse to promote its cause (The Argus, July 2).

Each year almost 400 horses die either on racetracks or as a direct result of racing. We hear little of this other than when it happens during high-profile races such as the Grand National or the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Many of those that don't make the grade or are too old to race end up either being slaughtered or sold on to dubious homes.

Racehorses have been bred with lighter frames for added speed, which adds to the problems of bone breakages. Others are raced too early in their lives and suffer the health consequences. Horse racing is a money making business and no animal welfare organisation should be offering it any support by drawing people to racetracks to support cat welfare. I love cats but also care about horse welfare.

  • Sue Baumgardt, Stoneham Road, Hove