Springwell Bay has sadly died after falling in the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival, with the horse unable to be saved by vets
The Cheltenham Festival has been marred by the tragic loss of Springwell Bay following a severe fall in the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap on Wednesday.
During the broadcast, ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin announced the unfortunate news: “There will be a sad postscript to the race I’m afraid because I have been handed a note to say that Springwell Bay, who took a nasty fall and was immediately tended to by the veterinary professionals, sadly sustained a fatal injury.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the connections of Springwell Bay. That is a sad finish to the race that was won by Caldwell Potter.”
The eight-year-old bay gelding, under the charge of Jonjo and AJ O’Neill and piloted by Jonjo O’Neill Jr, had previously celebrated victories at Cheltenham, claiming the top spot in the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase on New Year’s Day. This sorrowful event marks the first equine fatality of the festival this year
In an official release, Cheltenham confirmed the tragic news: “In our second race of the day, Springwell Bay was immediately attended to by our veterinary professionals, but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.”
Following such incidents, the British Horse Racing Authority employs a comprehensive review process dedicated to examining equine fatalities. This entails collecting detailed reports from various personnel including racecourse staffers, jockeys, and trainers, as well as scrutinising the affected horse’s medical and training records.
That data is then meticulously compiled, analysed and pored over by a panel of seasoned industry experts. The BHA has disclosed that over £50million has been funnelled into the progress of equine health, veterinary science, and research since the turn of the millennium.
The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap trophy was claimed by Caldwell Potter, a horse which counts the iconic former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson among its owners and is trained by the renowned Paul Nicholls.
Reflecting on the victory, Sir Alex Ferguson expressed to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: “I think the jumping won it. What can I say? Great horse, it was a bonus.
“Winning here last year with two was fantastic and doing it again this year is fantastic. Thank you very much.”
