Cheltenham tragedy as three horses die - including winner moments after clinching race

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has launched an investigation into the incidents, which left racegoers and television viewers shocked.

The deaths occurred across two consecutive races, with two horses falling in the Holland Cooper Handicap Chase before a third tragedy struck in the following Greatwood Hurdle.

Abuffalosoldier, ridden by Sean Bowen and trained by Warren Greatrex, had produced what ITV commentator Ed Chamberlain called "a brave winner of the race" in the 2:55 at Cheltenham.

The seven-year-old collapsed immediately after crossing the finish line, with medics rushing to the scene.

Despite immediate attention from veterinary professionals, the horse could not be saved and died at the scene.

In the same race, Bangers and Cash, trained by Ben Pauling, was pulled up at the 14th fence before suffering a fatal collapse.

Both incidents were described by veterinary experts as cardiovascular collapses, occurring in what was called "a huge coincidence" during the same race.

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The tragedy continued into the fifth race of the day when Napper Tandy, trained by Matthew Smith, suffered a fatal fall two fences from home in the Greatwood Hurdle.

Cheltenham Racecourse issued a statement saying: "In our fifth race Napper Tandy was immediately attended to by expert veterinary professionals, but sadly sustained a fatal injury."

The racecourse extended their "heartfelt condolences" to all connections of the fallen horses.

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The incidents cast a sombre mood over the November Meeting, with ITV Racing commentator Ed Chamberlain noting: "It is a very sad and sombre Cheltenham right now."

The BHA swiftly responded to the incidents, stating: "The losses of Abuffalosoldier, Bangers And Cash and Napper Tandy at Cheltenham today are a tragedy for all connections."

The authority emphasised the high level of care the horses had received throughout their lives, noting that "nobody will be more heartbroken tonight than those individuals" who cared for them.

The BHA confirmed they would investigate each incident, adding: "As with all fatalities, we will seek to understand the circumstances behind each incident as we strive to continue to reduce avoidable risk in our sport."

The organisation noted that the overall fatal injury rate in Jump racing stands at 0.42% of runners.

Liam Kearns, lead veterinary surgeon for Jockey Club Racecourses, provided insight into the nature of the incidents.

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Speaking to Racing TV, he explained: "Both cases we call them cardio-vascular collapse, as you can't say at this stage whether it is a true heart attack or whether it is a major blood vessel that has ruptured."

He compared the situation to human athletics, noting: "It's a high-intensity racing situation. We have similar when marathon runners run or long-distance races are run."

Kearns emphasised that all horses undergo thorough checks before racing: "All horses are thoroughly checked at home before they leave to go to the races, they are monitored carefully when they arrive."