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Racing Victoria (RV) Chief Executive, Bernard Saundry, has issued the following statement after the removal from CityLink of a billboard which depicted the image of a dead horse.

"Racing Victoria and the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry welcome the news that the billboard has been taken down,” Mr Saundry said. “We have been advised by the billboard company that this was the decision of the land owner.

“As those behind the distasteful billboard admitted publicly this week it was distressing and offensive, so we are pleased that a sensible outcome has been reached.

“The health and wellbeing of our equine athletes remains at the heart of our industry which is committed to ensuring that the outstanding level of care they are afforded continues.

“We are proud of our efforts in leading horse welfare initiatives and will continue to challenge ourselves and our 70,000 participants to maintain the highest of welfare standards.

“With over $300 million spent annually in Victoria alone on the training, care and welfare of our racehorse population, we see first-hand the love and care that is given to our equine athletes.”