Cheltenham fans left horrified as horse dies seconds after winning race

It left a sombre mood around Cheltenham

Abuffalosoldier collapsed immediately after winning the 2:55 at Cheltenham on Sunday and despite medics rushing to aid the stricken animal, they were unable to save him.

A statement from Cheltenham Racecourse read: “The winner of our fourth race, Abuffalosoldier, collapsed after the line and was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals, but sadly could not be saved.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections."

A second horse, Bangers and Cash also suffered a fatal fall during the same race.

The statement continued: “Bangers And Cash was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary team but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.”

The ITV commentary team gave their own heartfelt tribute to the horse and those that worked with it.

Ed Chamberlain said: "I'm afraid the news has just come through Jon Pullin here at Cheltenham that Abuffalosoldier collapsed and died after our latest race here at Cheltenham. It's desperate really for Esme Cook who looked after the horse, Sean Bowen who rode such a brave winner of the race.

"He jumped so brilliantly - heroic. And Mahler and the Wailers, the owners who we heard from beforehand and poor Warren Greatrex, the trainer as well. So desperately sad, this is one sport that takes you the highs and lows, I'm afraid.

"It is a very sad and sombre Cheltenham right now."

Racing fans took to social media to share their condolences. One wrote: "Two horses dying in one race at Cheltenham is soul destroying, my deepest thoughts with everyone involved."

Another said: "I’m a 50 odd year old fella and seeing #Abuffalosoldier collapse and ultimately die is one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen. More than one tear in my eye here! @itvracing#cheltenham#itvracing"