Cheltenham Racecourse – three race horses dead in shocking fatal incidents

Posted on the 18th November 2024

Three horses lost their lives at Cheltenham Racecourse in distressing and visible incidents (Sun 17 Nov). Two horses, Abuffalosoldier and Bangers And Cash collapsed and died of suspected heart attacks in the same race – a demanding three-and-a-half mile contest over 22 fences. In the next race, Napper Tandy broke his neck in a fall, after failing to jump a newly designed ‘safer to view’ hurdle (a type that has been responsible for a number of deaths recently).

At least 172 horses have lost their lives due to racing on British racecourses this year; this is in line with previous years. It shows that racing cannot preside over its legal duty to protect race horses, who are paying with their lives.

Says Animal Aid’s Horse Racing Consultant Dene Stansall:

‘Britain’s largest commercial horseracing organisation, The Jockey Club, must take full responsibility for the deaths on its Cheltenham Racecourse – Britain’s most deadly turf arena1. Both they and the racing welfare regulator, the British Horseracing Authority, have not  taken adequate measures to stem a consistent flood of deaths across racing. A ban on racing is the only answer to stop this lethal animal abuse.’ 

Note to Editors

1 Race Horse Death Watch

  • For more information contact Dene Stansall on 07780 756 957 or dene@animalaid.org.uk

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