Two horses die on first day of Cheltenham Festival

Two horses died on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival.

The first fatality occurred during the third race, when 11-year-old Highland Hunter died after being injured in a fall on the final stage.

Later in the sixth game, four-year-old Osei Patil died. The horse was one of two that fell when another horse, Karia Des Blaises, fell at the fourth hurdle.

A spokesman for Cheltenham Racecourse said: “Veterinary experts rushed to Highland Hunter’s side immediately in the final stages of the third race but he sadly passed away.

“During the sixth race, Osei Patil was injured and humanely euthanized. We offer our heartfelt condolences to both horses’ relationship.”

Animal Aid director Iain Green said on X: “Horse racing authorities should be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act for failing in their duty of care and causing unnecessary suffering.”

The RSPCA also wrote on social media: “It is heartbreaking to see Highland Hunter and Osei Patil lose their lives in Cheltenham today.

“The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) must thoroughly investigate the situation and whether steps can be taken to prevent future fatalities.”

The racing authority said the industry had a “clear ethical responsibility and a deep ethical code of concern for the welfare of racehorses, which we take very seriously”.

The BHA, Jockey Club and Jockey Club of Great Britain said that while there were “risk factors” associated with the sport, they had invested more than £47 million over the past two decades to minimize the risk of injury to horses and ensure they “live well” quality”.

“Horse racing today is safer than ever, with 99.8 per cent of horses returning home safely after a race,” the organizations said in a joint statement.

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