2 horses killed at Cheltenham

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Merlotmonster

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Very sad day. 2 top horses killed at cheltenham this afternoon. Ruby Walsh was badly hurt in one and dislocated his shoulder.
One was the gorgeous grey, Granite Jack. My heart goes out to his connections...
 
Very sad indeed
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Ruby Walsh's ride completely somersaulted so I guess he broke his neck. Granite Jack fell at the penultimate fence where alot of the Cheltenham runners fall. I think he just clipped the top of it. I agree it's very sad and also bad for racing when it's a high profile televised meeting. I presume the 'powers that be' in racing will look into it.
 
I backed the winner in the paddy power but the fatal fall of Granite Jack marred the race.
I also question myself about being a fan of jump racing when this happens but the only consolation is that fatal falls and injuries can occur anywhere.
It can happen anytime, any place.
At the time Granite fell he looked under pressure to me ( despite what other hacks may say). Don't forget he was making his British chasing debut having won over fences in Pau ( France). He was a decent hurdler last year especially when running second in the supreme novice hurdle at Chelt festival over 2m. Jumping the third last he looked the winner if the winning post had been a matter of a few yards away. But approaching the second last he looked under pressure and although his fall didn't look a tired one he didn't look like he was going to gallop and stay up that hill.
Of the other horse that fell Willyanwoody he was back peddling and under pressure when at the time. He was a former point to pointer and had won an ordinary chase at Exeter last time and was clearly up against it with the likes of Albertas Run in the field who had far superior form to anything else going into the race.
I don't think there is anything to look into to be honest. There is no need for any enquiry. No false ground or jockeys claiming that there was any problem with the ground or the track.
While it is very sad that these horses have lost their lives and I do feel for their owners, trainers, stablelads, lasses and jockeys sadly it is just the misfortune of racing.
Accidents happen and horses are not machines and it just so happens that sometimes these accidents can result in deaths of man and beast.
But yes it was very sad and in particular for Granit Jack and his connections as I for one thought this horse had so much more to give especially in the decent two mile races.
Very sad
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Caz
 
I was there, but I've only just found out about the fatalities. I won money on the Paddypower Cup....feel awful for being so happy about it now.
It was my first time racing...and I had a good time, but after hearing the news I'm not sure if I'm going again.
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OMG poor them and all conections. Who won the paddy power in the end?
I am off tomorrow, hope nothing like that goes wrong again
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There's a picture of Willyanwoody's fall in the paper. I wish they wouldn't do that. I can't bear to see horses come down, they're such dignified animals and it's so sad to see them in that postiton. I can't bring myself to watch jump racing any more. Thank goodness the jockeys were ok.
 
I understand what you mean, but I have been to numerous events and showjumping competitions and I have never witnessed any fatalities there (although I know it happens, the thread above proves it)...it just seems a shame that I go jump racing for the first time and for that to happen. But in hindsight I realise that this does not happen at every meeting...I was just unlucky to pick that day to go I suppose.
 
I was there and saw Wiilyandwoody fall.
He went down like a ton of bricks and neither him or the jockey seemed to get back up.
First meeting I have been to with fatalities and it does kind of put you off.
 
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