“Ban Horseracing”: Equestrian Community Left Fuming Over Fatal Injury at Cheltenham Festival

The horseracing world is not unaware of the magnificence of the Cheltenham Festival. The 4-day-long event encompasses 28 racing events, including 14 Grade 1. Almost 65,000 enthusiasts flock to experience peak thrill when their preferred horses gallop to the finish line. Horses, jockeys, and trainers dream of etching their names in the annals of racing history by displaying remarkable performances. But is the event all about glamour?

No sport is barred from unforeseen injuries and life-threatening falls. For years, the racing domain has seen several horses being put to sleep after a harrowing tumble. At the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, one such incident stirred up the internet again.

Horseracing youngster raced to death

In the third race of day 1 of the Cheltenham event, the 11-year-old Highland Hunter faced a fall, which resulted in his death. Though officials attended to him, nothing worked in his favor. Just three races later, another young horse left for heaven’s abode. The Facebook post of The Vegan Punk reads, “A second horse, Ose Partir, has been raced to death on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival”.

The following statement was more disappointing. “76 horses have now died at the event since the year 2000”.  Animal Aid, who released the exact statistics of horse deaths, raised a concern as well. Animal Aid campaigns officer Nina Copleston-Hawkens queried, “If race horses are ‘treated like kings,’ as the racing industry would like us to believe, why has another horse lost his life?”

Her claim further asserted that no solid action has been taken yet. “Cheltenham is a notorious killer of race horses and must be banned”. In response, several fans have chimed in to second the fact that horse racing deaths have surged significantly.

Fans have rallied in protest

One fan said, “Ban horseracing. It is a bloodsport” while showing strong repugnance for the sport. Another fan hopped in to say, “Join the group End Horse racing I am also a member, and let together fight this stupid sport and other horse sports”. He wished to assemble everyone and protest.

While one fan responded with a sad face emoji, another fan replied to him, “…so cruel, there’s just no need”. Another fan chimed in with three emojis, a heartbreak, a cursing face emoji and a sad face. The horseracing field has several victories to take pride in, but these setbacks have caused hindrances.

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