Hansard tragically passed away following the Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. The eight-year-old horse, trained by Gary and Josh Moore, was a surprise entry in the Arkle race but had to be pulled up due to an injury.
The Jockey Club issued a statement confirming Hansard’s fatal injury during the race and the decision to euthanize him for his welfare. In the same event, Kargese, trained by Willie Mullins, emerged victorious in the 2pm Arkle Chase. Jockey Danny Mullins expressed his joy at the win and praised the expertise of the Mullins team.
The horse racing industry, including The Jockey Club, continuously strives to enhance safety measures at events. Significant investments have been made in equine welfare, resulting in a decline in fallers and fatal injury rates over the years. Various improvements, such as changing jump markers and padded hurdles, have been implemented based on research findings to reduce risks for horses.
Collaboration with welfare organizations like World Horse Welfare and RSPCA ensures that horse racing maintains high welfare standards. Public perception of horse welfare improves after visiting racing facilities and support centers. National Racehorse Week offers free visits to these centers to educate the public on equine care and welfare.
With a substantial attendance of five million in 2025, horse racing remains a popular sport in the UK, second only to football in terms of spectators.