How many horses died cheltenham 2017

Ian Renton, who runs Cheltenham racecourse, said competitors' welfare was their "number one priority". Safety has once again been in the spotlight following the deaths of four racehorses at a meeting at Musselburgh in Scotland. In October, MPs debated racing welfare after more than , people signed an e-petition calling on the government to set up a new equine welfare regulator independent of the BHA.

Changes have improved safety at big races in the past, with no horse suffering a fatal injury in the Grand National since alterations were introduced in The four-day Cheltenham Festival in March is jump racing's showpiece event with total crowds topping ,00 watching iconic contests such as the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup.

But six horses died at the meeting, including three in the concluding Grand Annual Chase. Welfare campaigners have called for more action to tackle the issue of racehorse fatalities. Four horses died at the Cheltenham Festival and seven the previous year. Fatality rates in racing have fallen over the last 20 years because of safety improvements - to 0. Tizzard struck a similar tone before he knew the winner had collapsed, saying that Thistlecrack had been outstayed.

Thistlecrack remains at the top of betting for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, but is now available at rather than the even-money that was the best price on Saturday morning. Two of his stablemates are among those whose odds have now shortened, Native River being the second-favourite on while Cue Card is from 12s.

This article is more than 4 years old. Many Clouds edges ahead of Thistlecrack, far side, to win the Cotswold Chase before tragedy struck.

Photograph: racingfotos. Arrogate triumphs in Pegasus World Cup, world's richest horse race. Read more. Reuse this content. But it's not easy after the weather we had. Once opened up it rode slightly easier the next day. We've not touched it since. Animal Aid will push to get this course closed down as it is a danger to any horse racing there. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies.

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