Hansard tragically passed away following the Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase at the initial day of the Cheltenham Festival. The eight-year-old, under the training of Gary and Josh Moore, entered the Arkle race as an underdog but had to be withdrawn due to an injury.
In response to the incident, the Jockey Club issued a statement confirming Hansard’s fatal injury during the race. Veterinary professionals promptly attended to the horse, determining that euthanasia was the most humane course of action for its welfare.
Kargese, trained by Willie Mullins, emerged victorious in the 2pm Arkle Chase. Jockey Danny Mullins expressed his satisfaction with Kargese’s performance, highlighting the strategic approach taken during the race and praising Mullins as a masterful trainer.
Despite the inherent risks in horse racing, The Jockey Club remains committed to minimizing these risks at its events. The racing industry has invested significantly in equine welfare, with over £63 million allocated since 2000 for veterinary science, education, and research.
The British racing sector operates under the oversight of an independent Horse Welfare Board, which has implemented a successful long-term plan called ‘A Life Well Lived.’ Notably, the rate of fallers in horse races has decreased over the past two decades, with just 1.98% of runners experiencing falls.
Several safety enhancements have been introduced, including changing jump markers to white based on research into equine vision, utilizing padded hurdles to reduce fallers, and implementing thorough reviews following any on-course fatalities. Collaboration with esteemed welfare organizations such as World Horse Welfare, RSPCA, and Blue Cross ensures ongoing adherence to high welfare standards.
National Racehorse Week, scheduled from August 22nd to 31st, offers free visits to studs, training yards, and aftercare centers, contributing to improved perceptions of horse welfare among attendees. With five million spectators in 2025, horse racing remains the second most popular sport in the UK after football.