Cheltenham spectators were left shocked as Abuffalosoldier collapsed and died just after clinching victory in the 2:55 race on Sunday. Medics were on scene within seconds, quickly shielding the horse with green screens – a common safety procedure for any incident involving an animal on-course.
A statement from Cheltenham Racecourse confirmed the devastating outcome: “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,” said a statement from Cheltenham Racecourse. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.”
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.”
A statement from the British Horseracing Authority, which also noted a third death at Cheltenham on Sunday, 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. All factual data relating to fatal injury rates in British racing can be found at www.horsepwr.co.uk and the overall fatal injury rate in Jump racing is 0.42% of runners.”
The tragedy also reverberated through the commentary box, where ITV’s team shared their sympathies. Lead presenter Ed Chamberlain announced: “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. 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,” reports the Mirror. A solemn note hung over the course as he continued: “It is a very sad and sombre Cheltenham right now.”
Fans of the sport from all across the UK quickly flocked to social media to express their sympathies. Among the flood of heartfelt messages, one person posted on X: “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 adding: “Sleep Tight Abuffalosoldier,” accompanying the sentiment with an image of the horse, while a different fan lamented: “Abuffalosoldier just collapsed after the race. How tragic can it get. Horrible scenes.” Another distraught observer commented: “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.”
One fan also noted how the incident marred their entire day: “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.”
The wave of sorrow follows the loss of Ben Pauling’s Bangers And Cash who tragically succumbed to a fatal injury within the same event. In Britain, it is noted that around 14,000 horses are treated with a high level of care, enjoying a good quality of life. The British racing industry prides itself on its self-regulated welfare standards and invests millions into veterinary research and education.
Over the past two decades, a steadfast commitment and investment in reducing avoidable risk has led to a one-third decrease in fatal injuries among racehorses on tracks, down to 0.18% of runners by 2021. Unfortunately, injuries do 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 when in a field at home than during ridden exercise.
