Bosses of Cheltenham Festival have confirmed the first heartbreaking death of one of their horses. Malinello was seriously injured competing in the Wellchild National Hunt Challenge Cup.
At the 16th fence, the eight-year-old horse, trained by Ben Pauling and ridden by Gina Andrews, suffered a horror crash, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Sadly, it was revealed after the championship race that Malinello had passed away despite Cheltenham's veterinary staff's best attempts.
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A spokesperson for the racecourse said: "Sadly Malinello sustained an injury in the final race of the day. He was attended to by the on-course veterinary team and assessed immediately, but very sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with all his connections.”
Malinello won his first race over fences in November last year when, after a break of 22 months, he won a beginners' handicap chase at Newcastle by half a length.
One of the most prestigious events on the calendar, the four-day event has witnessed a number of horse deaths throughout its history.
According to long-standing animal rights group Animal Aid, at least one horse has died every year that the Festival has been held since 2000, reports the Independent.
The organisation’s data shows that a total of 73 horses have died after running at the event in the last 23 years.
Day one of the event also saw a lot of stars turning out including Carol Vorderman, Natalie Pinkham and fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper. Politician Matt Hancock and his girlfriend Gina Coladangelo were also spotted in the crowd.
Royals Princess Anne and I'm A Celebrity's Mike Tindall also made an appearance.
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