A second horse has died in as many days at the Cheltenham Festival after HMS Seahorse fell in Wednesday’s BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle and suffered fatal injuries.
In a statement, Cheltenham Racecourse said the Paul Nolan-trained eight-year-old was “immediately attended to by a team of expert vets, but sadly sustained an injury at the final hurdle and could not be saved. Our heartfelt condolences are with connections.”
HMS Seahorse is the second horse to die following a racing incident at this year’s Festival after Hansard suffered a fatal injury on the opening day.
Hansard’s injury occurred during the Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase. ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin broke that sad news to viewers after the race, with the Gary and Josh Moore-trained horse unfortunately put down in the aftermath.
Chamberlin shared his condolences to the stable, before sharing a statement from Cheltenham Racecourse in what he described as a “sad postscript” to the race.
It 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.”
Hansard was a 100-1 outsider in the race and suffered his injury while running on the flat towards the end on the turn coming in to home stretch. He didn’t fall. He was attended by on-course vets, who decided the best course of action was to put him down.
Following the news of Hansard’s death, PETA’s Vice President of Programmes, Elisa Allen released a statement.
It read: “Cheltenham and horse racing have claimed yet another victim with the death of Hansard today. Some 3000 horses have died in UK horse racing events in the past decade, and 79 horse deaths at Cheltenham in the past 25 years alone.
“Forcing horses to race at breakneck speeds over obstacles invariably leads to crippling falls, heart attacks, and other fatal injuries. Off track, more death, with horses who can’t run fast enough discarded like used betting slips – dumped on rescue charities, killed, or sold for slaughter.
“Cheltenham organisers may hope the champagne will distract from the carnage, but the only way to ensure the welfare of horses is to cancel the Cheltenham Festival and all racing festivals.”
