AN INVESTIGATION into the deaths of four horses during a single raceday at Musselburgh has cleared the course of any wrongdoing.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) carried out the investigation after the deaths happened during a jumps meet at the East Lothian course in December.

One horse fatally collapsed on the course, while the winner of the first race of the day was destroyed after it and two others were put down after breaking legs in their races.

The BHA said it looked at each of the deaths in detail and found no fault relating to the course.

A spokesman said: “The circumstances around all four fatal injuries were assessed in detail.

“No track-related factors were identified and, therefore, no further action was taken with the racecourse.

“We monitor injury rates at all racecourses and should any trends emerge which require action then we will work with the racecourse on this.”

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager Bill Farnsworth welcomed the findings.

He said: “Notwithstanding the fact that we sadly lost four horses at Musselburgh and recognise the loss felt by the owners and trainers, we always had full confidence that conditions at the racecourse were not responsible and we welcome the BHA findings which confirm this was the case.

“We take the safety of horses and those taking part in racing very seriously and we will continue to strive to provide a safe and healthy environment for all who compete at Musselburgh.”