A horse, Springwell Bay, has died on day three of the Cheltenham Racing Festival 2025.
The eight-year-old bay gelding was running in The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at 2pm on day three but fell and sadly sustained a fatal injury.
ITV Racing's Ed Chamberlin said: "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."
A representative for Cheltenham Racing Festival said: "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."
R.I.P Springwell Bay, killed at the Cheltenham Festival today 13/03/25. This takes the death toll of this barbaric event up to 77 lives lost since 2000. 💔 pic.twitter.com/MoGYkkxDAK
— Animal Aid (@AnimalAid) March 13, 2025
Animal rights campaigner Animal Aid posted: "R.I.P Springwell Bay, killed at the Cheltenham Festival today 13/03/25. This takes the death toll of this barbaric event up to 77 lives lost since 2000."
Their director, Iain Green, said: "It is incomprehensible that whilst the racing industry unite in their "welfare propaganda", another horse has been killed on their watch.
"This callous "spectator sport" has an unprecedented, and growing death toll - in what world can this suffering be justified? Shame on the racing industry and the government for allowing this abuse to continue."
Users on X, formerly known as Twitter, were quick to offer condolences.
One said: "Heartbroken for all at @oneill_racing with the loss of Springwell Bay. He was a fabulous boy I’m so sorry, thoughts especially with Tirana x"
Another posted: "Poor Springwell Bay, that's gutting".
Whilst 'RacingGav' commented: "Awful to hear the news that SPRINGWELL BAY suffered a fatal injury in the Novice Handicap Chase.
"My thoughts are with the whole team at Jonjo’s and also with the owners.
"He was a lovely, talented horse who will be sorely missed it."
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