Tragedy struck at Cheltenham on Sunday afternoon as three horses had to be put down by on-course medics, including the winner of the fourth race.
Cheltenham racegoers were left shocked on Sunday after three racehorses passed away at the same meeting, including one moments after winning a race. Abuffalosoldier collapsed immediately after clinching 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 – the standard procedure for any collapsed animal. Tragically, the horse could not be saved and died 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.”
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Another 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.”
Meanwhile, the ITV commentary team expressed their own 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. He jumped so brilliantly – heroic.
“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. It is a very sad and sombre Cheltenham right now.”
Sadly, the tragic narrative of the meeting did not end with the 2:55 after a third horse – Napper Tandy – passed away following the very next race.
A statement from Cheltenham Racecourse, shared on X by ITV Racing said: “In our fifth race Napper Tandy was immediately attended to by expert veterinary professionals, but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.”
A statement also posted on the same social media platform by the British Horseracing Authority said: “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.”
The organisation went on to share factual data relating to fatal injury rates in British racing. The overall fatal injury rate in Jump racing is 0.42% of runners.
Fans across the UK expressed their sorrow on social media, with heartfelt messages pouring in for the fallen horses. One person posted: “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 shared their grief, saying: “Sleep Tight Abuffalosoldier,” accompanied by an image of the horse. A third lamented: “Abuffalosoldier just collapsed after the race. How tragic can it get. Horrible scenes.” A fourth commented on the tragedy’s impact: “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.”
Meanwhile, another suggested a tribute: “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.”
In Britain, figures highlight that 14,000 horses are provided with high levels of care and quality of life. The racing industry prides itself on self-regulated welfare standards, investing millions into veterinary research and education.
Over the past two decades, a steady commitment and investment in reducing avoidable risk has led to a one-third decrease in the number of horses suffering fatal injuries on racecourses, down to 0.18% of runners by 2021. Injuries are unfortunately incurred in horse racing and can also occur while running around a paddock at home, training on gallops or at a racecourse.
Independent research by the Centre for Equine Studies at Liverpool University discovered that horses are nearly five times more likely to sustain serious injury when in a field at home than during ridden exercise.
