Hansard tragically passed away during the Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. The eight-year-old horse, trained by Gary and Josh Moore, faced an unfortunate injury during the race and had to be pulled up.
A statement from the Jockey Club confirmed the heartbreaking news, stating that Hansard sustained a fatal injury during the race and, despite immediate attention from veterinary professionals, the decision was made to euthanize the horse for its welfare.
The Arkle Chase, held at 2pm, saw Kargese, trained by Willie Mullins, emerge victorious. Jockey Danny Mullins expressed his joy at the win, praising the horse’s performance and acknowledging the teamwork behind the success.
While acknowledging the risks involved in horse racing, The Jockey Club, organizers of prestigious events like the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals, is committed to minimizing these risks. 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 is actively focused on horse welfare, with initiatives like the Horse Welfare Board and the strategic plan ‘A Life Well Lived’ showing positive outcomes. The industry’s efforts have led to a decrease in fallers in races over the years, with the fatal injury rate among runners in 2025 standing at just 0.22%.
Notable changes, such as altering jump markers to improve visibility for horses and introducing padded hurdles to reduce fall incidents, demonstrate the industry’s commitment to safety. Collaboration with welfare organizations ensures that horse racing upholds the highest standards of care.
National Racehorse Week provides an opportunity for the public to engage with the industry and witness firsthand the care provided to racehorses. With millions attending horse racing events annually, it remains a popular sport in the UK, ranking second only to football in terms of attendance.