Cheltenham Festival horse Highland Hunter dies after nasty fall on day one
Highland Hunter announced as being put down following a nasty fall on Day One of the Cheltenham Festival.
Highland Hunter has lost its life following the 2.50pm Ultima Handicap on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday. The race horse suffered a nasty fall and sustained a fatal injury during the third race of Tuesday’s action. He was later put down.
Related articles
The Grey Gelding horse fell early in the race, with immediate concerns about his health beginning to grow. And it was confirmed by ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin shortly after the race that Highland Hunter would be put down as a result of the nasty fall.
"I'm afraid it's the news we feared," Chamberlin told ITV viewers. "The racecourse have been in touch to say this 'Highland Hunter was immediately attended to by expert veterinary professionals during the third race, the Ultima Handicap, but sadly sustained a fatal injury'. They say 'our heartfelt condolences are with connections' and we echo that."
The horse’s trainer Fergal O'Brien Racing took to social media to share their disappointment following the news, posting on X: "Not sure we’ll be tweeting again today after this. Absolutely devastated. Thanks for the messages we’re already receiving and those to come #RIPHighlandHunter."
While ITV Racing - the broadcaster for this week's Cheltenham Festival - also released a statement that read: "Highland Hunter has sadly passed away after suffering a fatal injury in the Ultima Handicap. Our thoughts are with connections at this difficult time."
It comes just days after a heartfelt and emotional funeral for jockey Keagan Kirkby, which saw Highland Hunter lead the procession. Kirkby, who passed away aged just 25 years old, died in a horse-riding accident earlier this year and was said to have loved Highland Hunter.
Related articles
What's more, just this morning, footage was shared on social media of Highland Hunter enjoying a run around, as he geared up for the day’s action. The now poignant video, captioned ‘We run old boy Highland Hunter in the Ultima this afternoon, he won’t mind the rain at all,’ showed the horse enjoying an early-morning stretch ahead of what unfortunately proved to be his last outing.
The Ultima Handicap was eventually won by Chianti Clasico under jockey David Bass, who overcame a slight wobble after the final hurdle to take home the victory ahead of Twig under Beau Morgan. But this race will also be remembered for the sad loss of Highland Hunter, whose tragic fall led to the first death at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.
The Cheltenham death toll is now up to 75 deaths since 2000 following the passing of Highland Hunter.
