DEFRA estimates that between 6000-10000 uk horses are being killed annually for human consumption abroad.
A UK Abattoir estimates that 80% of the horses they recieve are thoroughbreds. 10% of which come directly from the racing sector.
4000 thoroughbreds per year, go directly for kill if they don't make the grade for racing or breeding.
Before the credit crunch, an abattoir would pay up to £650 for a horse.
The UK are not suposed to send live horses for meat abroad. Dealers get round this by saying the horses are going for breeding / competiton purposes. When they get to europe they join the slaughter trail.
In 2005 it became compulsory for all equines to have a passport. Any equine cannot be slaughtered without a passport. UK ABATTOIRS CAN MAKE A PASSPORT FOR ANY HORSE THEY WANT!