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The Cheltenham Festival has seen a tragic toll this year, with four horses losing their lives, including two on the event’s final day. Among them was Envoi Allen, who collapsed shortly after finishing ninth in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase. Additionally, Saint Le Fort suffered a fatal fall at the last obstacle during the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle and was subsequently euthanised on welfare grounds.
A spokesperson from Cheltenham Racecourse confirmed that both horses received immediate veterinary attention. Speaking about Envoi Allen, the spokesperson described him as a “supremely talented horse,” extending heartfelt condolences to all connected with him. Regarding Saint Le Fort, it was explained that after a vet assessment, euthanasia was deemed the most humane option due to the severity of his injuries.
Envoi Allen was set to retire following this festival, marking the end of a remarkable career. At 12 years old, he was the oldest participant in the Gold Cup race and was widely regarded as a legend in horse racing circles, with three Cheltenham wins and ten Grade 1 victories to his name. Richard Thompson, director of Cheveley Park Stud, lamented the sudden passing of the horse, saying: “He was such an unbelievable horse. This was not the ending we wanted, but unfortunately that is what has happened.”
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is conducting a detailed review of the fatalities as part of their ongoing commitment to racehorse safety. James Given, director of equine regulation safety and welfare at the BHA, expressed his sadness, stating: “We are all devastated about the fatal injuries this week and our thoughts are with everyone connected with the horses.” He also noted that the fatal injury rate has been reduced to fewer than five in every 1,000 runners, a figure consistent with Cheltenham’s rate over the past five years, but acknowledged that “risk can never be entirely eliminated.” Given further explained that Envoi Allen most likely suffered a sudden cardiovascular collapse, despite passing all routine pre-race examinations.
The League Against Cruel Sports, represented by chief executive Emma Slawinski, expressed deep concern about the ongoing deaths at Cheltenham. Slawinski said, “The death of a fourth horse in just four days is heartbreaking news but not a surprise – every year horses are raced to their deaths at the Cheltenham Festival.” She highlighted the cumulative impact, noting that since 2000, 82 horses have died at the festival and called for increased prioritisation of equine welfare within the sport
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