ANIMAL welfare campaigners called on the public to join a boycott of two major horse races today after new death toll figures were released.

At least 67 horses have died racing at Aintree since the year 2000 and 17 have died at the Grand National, according to the Animal Aid organisation.

The League Against Cruel Sports led the call for a boycott of these races and demanded the government intervene to prevent further horses from dying during these events.

Its chief executive, Emma Slawinski, demanded PM Sir Keir Starmer “step in and ensure the welfare of the horses is put before the profits of gambling companies and the horse racing industry.”

She called for the public and businesses to “avoid betting on the races and to switch off the ITV coverage and advertising which glosses over the cruelty.

“Horses will be sacrificed for people’s entertainment, something that should repel a nation of animal lovers.”