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Second horse dies at Cheltenham Festival
HMS Seahorse became the 80th Cheltenham Festival horse fatality since 2000 after a fall at the final hurdle, prompting calls for stricter safety rules in jump racing.
- On Wednesday, March 11, Cheltenham Festival officials confirmed HMS Seahorse died after falling at the final jump in the MGM Cup Handicap Hurdle, marking the second death this year.
- Cheltenham Festival got underway on Tuesday, March 10, and Hansard suffered a fatal injury on the opening day, followed by a second death on day two.
- A spokesperson for Cheltenham Racecourse said, 'Vets attended HMS Seahorse immediately but the horse could not be saved' after falling during the MGM Cup Handicap Hurdle, with jockey Eoin Staples falling.
- The RSPCA said it was 'devastated' by the two deaths and urged lessons while liaising with the British Horseracing Authority, while Emma Slawinski, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, called for a public boycott and tighter safety measures including a whip ban.
- Racing industry officials note more than �63 million invested in equine welfare since 2000, citing a 0.22% fatal injury rate in 2025 and reforms including padded hurdles, white jump markers, and a 48-hour review.
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12 Articles
12 Articles
Cheltenham horse HMS Seahorse dies to mark second death at festival after fatal incident
HMS Seahorse, an eight-year-old gelding under the care of trainer Paul Nolan, suffered a fatal injury this afternoon at Cheltenham Festival after coming down at the final obstacle during the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Left, 45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left, 45% of the sources are Center
46% Left
L 46%
C 45%
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