Cheltenham is glorious, but Cheltenham also has the ability to deliver moments that break hearts.
During the exciting Ultima Handicap Chase, a story emerged that was hardly believable due to its tragedy – a story that could have an impact on the day.
Highland Hunter, a handsome 11-year-old trained by Fergal O’Brien, was the favorite horse of Keagan Kirkby, the 25-year-old jockey who worked for Paul Nicholls but was killed last month after being thrown from the saddle during a point-to-point -point-race.
Kirkby’s death had a profound impact on the racing community and as a mark of respect, Highland Hunter led the funeral procession at his funeral.
This was last week, just a few days after the gelding scored an emotional win at Newbury.
Highland Hunter, an 11-year-old gray (left), collapsed and died during the 2.50pm Ultima Handicap Chase, which put a damper on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday
He was the favorite horse of young jockey Keagan Kirkby (right), who died after falling from his horse during the final race of the day at Charing racecourse in February.
The horse was led through the village of Ditcheat for the amateur jockey’s funeral on March 5
It was difficult to comprehend that Highland Hunter collapsed and lost his own life on Tuesday.
O’Brien has two sought-after runners on Thursday in Dysart Enos and Crambo. If there is balance in this world, one of them will provide the garden with a much-needed boost.
Highland Hunter was led through the village of Ditcheat in Somerset last Tuesday for Kirkby’s funeral.
The sad news at Cheltenham was announced by ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlain after Tuesday’s Ultima Handicap Chase at 2.50pm: ‘I’m afraid this is the news we feared.’
He then read out a statement from Cheltenham Racecourse, which said: ‘Highland Hunter was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals in the closing stages of our third race, but sadly passed away.
“Our sincere condolences go out to his connections.”
After hearing the news, O’Brien tweeted: “Not sure if we’ll be tweeting again today after this. Absolutely devastated. Thank you for the messages we have already received and those that will come.’
Highland Hunter, with Paddy Brennan on board, races away to win at Newbury on March 2
Highland Hunter led the way in a race at Newbury just 11 days before the tragic death
Kirkby was due to ride at Cheltenham this year but suffered a devastating death when his horse ran through the wing of a fence during the second circuit of the race at the Charing point-to-point in Kent.
Recalling the tragic incident, his friend Emily said: ‘One of the other jockeys spoke to me afterwards and said the horse ran straight through the wing.
“He said there was nothing a rider could have done to prevent what happened; it was no one’s fault.
‘There were two ambulances, the course doctor and an air ambulance, everyone did their utmost to save him. They were so good.’
The couple were due to holiday together in the Lake District for Emily’s birthday in May, before house hunting for their first home together.
Keagan had already raced twice at the Sunday meeting, finishing fourth and second before competing in the meeting’s final event.
Highland Hunter outside the church where Kirkby’s funeral took place in Ditcheat
The talented young jockey was looking forward to riding at Newbury later this month, his first on a recognized racecourse.
Hunter’s death brings the festival’s death toll since 2000 to 75, as animal rights activists continue to call for the four-day event to be canceled.
Nina Copleston-Hawkens, the Animal Aid Campaigns Officer, said it was ‘unacceptable’ for the event to go ahead after another horse lost its life.
She said: ‘The racing industry will undoubtedly dismiss this casualty as a symptom of the ‘inherent risk’ associated with horse racing. This is nonsense.
‘Horses do not accept this risk; they are brought into the world, pushed to their limits, and killed when they are no longer useful to industry, or on a racetrack after they have done their best.”