Cheltenham racegoers were left stunned as a horse tragically died moments after winning a race. Abuffalosoldier collapsed immediately after securing victory in the 2:55 at Cheltenham on Sunday, part of the course’s November schedule.
Medics rushed to its aid and promptly surrounded it with green screens – standard procedure for any collapsed animal. Despite their efforts, the horse sadly passed away at the scene.
A statement from Cheltenham Racecourse read: “The winner of our fourth race, Abuffalosoldier, collapsed after the line and was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals, but sadly could not be saved. Our deepest sympathies are with his connections. ”
Tragically, a second horse, Bangers and Cash, also suffered a fatal fall during the same race. The statement continued: “Bangers And Cash was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary team but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections. ” The ITV commentary team also expressed their condolences following the incident. Ed Chamberlain said: “I’m afraid the news has just come through Jon Pullin here at Cheltenham that Abuffalosoldier collapsed and died after our latest race here at Cheltenham.
It’s desperate really for Esme Cook who looked after the horse, Sean Bowen who rode such a brave winner of the race. “A second horse, Bangers and Cash, also suffered a fatal fall during the same race. The statement continued: “He jumped so brilliantly – heroic”, reports the Mirror.
And Mahler and the Wailers, the owners who we heard from beforehand and poor Warren Greatrex, the trainer as well. So desperately sad, this is one sport that takes you the highs and lows, I’m afraid.
” He continued: “It is a very sad and sombre Cheltenham right now. “Equestrian fans throughout the UK rapidly expressed their sympathy on social media platforms, with one post reading, “Poor Sean Bowen, been on the floor 3 times today, once before a race, once during a race, and then wins and ends up on the floor again.
Poor Abuffalosoldier didn’t deserve that. “Another commented, “Sleep Tight Abuffalosoldier,” attaching an image of the horse, whilst someone else remarked, “Abuffalosoldier just collapsed after the race.
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How tragic can it get. Horrible scenes.” A further reaction was, “Racing can be awful – not even interested in any of the bets I have on for the rest of the day now. Abuffalosoldier and Bangersandcash passing has me sick to my stomach.”
Another fan stated, “Absolute desperate stuff, that’s put a complete downer on my whole day and probably the meeting. RIP Abuffalosoldier, hopefully they can name the race after him out of respect because you won’t see many better winners of it.”
Reports underscore that, within Britain, around 14,000 horses are managed with a superior standard of care and lifestyle. British racing is proactive in implementing rigorous welfare standards, dedicating millions towards veterinary science and instructional programmes.
Over the past two decades, a consistent commitment and investment in reducing avoidable risk has led to a one-third decrease in fatal injuries among racehorses on courses, down to 0.18% of runners by 2021. Unfortunately, injuries can occur in horse racing, whether during home training, galloping, or at a racecourse.
Independent research conducted by the Centre for Equine Studies at Liverpool University discovered that horses are nearly five times more likely to suffer serious injury while in a field at home than during ridden exercise.
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