Hansard has suffered a fatal injury in the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham, marking the first death of a horse at this year’s Festival.
Eight-year-old Hansard, trained by Gary and Josh Moore, was a big outsider in the second race of day one, the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase.
A statement from Cheltenham Racecourse read: ‘While running on the flat in the second race of the day, Hansard sustained a fatal injury. He was quickly dismounted and immediately attended to by a team of expert veterinary professionals.
‘In their assessment, it was concluded that the best course of action for the horse’s welfare was for him to be put down and our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.’
Speaking on the eve of the festival the RSPCA issued a statement about the death of horses at Cheltenham.
Hansard (right) was a big outsider in the second race at Cheltenham and suffered a fatal injury
Their statement read: ‘Ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, we hope that each and every horse taking part comes through safely and well.
‘It is desperately sad that 32 horses have died at the Festival over the last decade – a situation at odds with the UK’s status as a nation of animal lovers. Clearly any animal fatality is tragic, and this is amplified when deaths have occurred solely as a result of providing entertainment for people.
‘The RSPCA shares public concerns about race-horse welfare, so we engage with the industry to advocate for equine welfare improvements. We met with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on the eve of the Cheltenham Festival and will maintain daily contact throughout, highlighting the importance of this ongoing relationship’.
The 14:00 race was won by 7/1 shot Kargese but the victory has been overshadowed by the news of Hansard’s fatal injury.
