Cheltenham was the scene of tragedy on Sunday as three individual horses died inside an hour and authorities have now spoken out at the events as they aim to avoid a repeat at future meets
The British Horseracing Authority has launched an investigation into a tragedy hit Cheltenham meeting that saw THREE horses die.
Supporters at the course were left shocked after seeing Abuffalosoldier collapse just moments after winning the 2:55 race on Sunday. Medics attended the scene but were unfortunately unable to save the animal.
But that was not the end of the heartbreak. Bangers and Cash – who ran in the same race – suffered from a fatal injury. Napper Tandy then tragically passed away in the following race.
The British Horseracing Authority have now spoken out having offered their condolences and will be launching investigations into the three tragedies. A statement on Sunday read: “The losses of Abuffalosoldier, Bangers And Cash and Napper Tandy at Cheltenham today are a tragedy for all connections and the thoughts of all of us at the BHA are with them.
“All three were provided with outstanding care and attention throughout their lives by those who cared for them and nobody will be more heartbroken tonight than those individuals. As with all fatalities, we will seek to understand the circumstances behind each incident as we strive to continue to reduce avoidable risk in our sport.”
Liam Kearns, lead veterinary surgeon for Jockey Club Racecourses, has attempted to explain all three tragedies in the aftermath. He suggested that all precautions for the horses had been taken.
Speaking to Racing TV, he said: “(In) both cases we call them cardio-vascular collapse, as you can’t say at this stage whether it is a true heart attack or whether it is a major blood vessel that has ruptured. But it is of that nature and therefore it is a sudden death situation.
“The vets are deployed all around the racecourse so both horses were attended within seconds and in those situations of acute collapse there are some drugs we can administer but if it is a true cardio-vascular collapse, not a lot can be done.
“It’s a high-intensity racing situation. We have similar when marathon runners run or long-distance races are run – there is always a concern that athletes at a high level of exertion can without any previous symptoms present this situation. It’s a huge coincidence that it happened twice in the same race.
“All horses are thoroughly checked at home before they leave to go to the races, they are monitored carefully when they arrive at the races and trainers and connections love them to bits – no horse would go to the races with any prior knowledge of a situation like this. It is one of those sudden things that can strike.”
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