A horse has been put down after sustaining a fatal injury on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival 2026.
Hansard was running in the second race of the day, the Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase, which is about two miles long.
The eight-year-old was trained by Gary and Josh Moore and started as a long-shot outsider in the Arkle.
A statement from Cheltenham Racecourse regarding Hansard said: “While running on the flat in the second race of the day, Hansard sustained a fatal injury.
“He was quickly dismounted and immediately attended to by a team of expert veterinary professionals.
“In their assessment, it was concluded that the best course of action for the horse’s welfare was for him to be put down and our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.”
