Review launched into deaths of six horses during Cheltenham Festival

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have confirmed they will carry out a review of Cheltenham Festival after six horses died at the four-day event last week.

Four of the horses were put down on Friday, the final day of the festival, including Sandsend, which was ridden Katie Walsh, after suffering a leg injury during the County Hurdle.

Dresden, Some Plan and North Hill Harvey all suffered fatal injuries in the Grand Annual Chase on Friday as well, which prompted the BHA to launch an investigation into the deaths.

“Everyone who follows this sport does so because we love these fine animals and it is extremely sad when we lose any horse,” said Jamie Stier, chief regulator officer for the BHA.

“The BHA will be reviewing the circumstances leading to the fatalities at the Cheltenham Festival. We will examine the evidence from the past week over the next few days before deciding how we will pursue the review.

“We will also be examining whether the existing penalties for misuse of the whip, and how they apply, constitute an adequate deterrent to jockeys.

“We continue to use research, safety measures, regulation and education to reduce fatality rates to as close to zero as possible.”

The RSPCA called the fatalities “extremely concerning” and urged the investigation to leave no stone uncovered in order to prevent deaths like this happening again.

“The fatalities are extremely concerning and it is essential that the announced review by the racing industry must be completely comprehensive to reduce the likelihood of such tragedies occurring again,” they said.

“A review was carried out at Aintree in 2012 which has since reduced horse falls, injuries and fatalities.”