 A 2006 investigation by "The Observer" found that each year 6-10,000 horses are slaughtered for consumption abroad, a significant proportion of which are horses bred for racing.The industry produces approximately 5,000 foals, whilst 4-5,000 racehorses are retired each year, 90 being taken into care by the industries charity Retraining of Racehorses.Research conducted by the Equine Fertility Unit found that 66% of thoroughbred foals were never entered for a race, and more than 80% were no longer in training after four years.