A third horse has tragically died at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival as Born Patriot suffered fatal injuries following his fall in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle.
The news comes after it was confirmed that Mindsmadeup had also died following a Day 3 fall making it two tragic fatalities in a day. The 11-year-old bay gelding, fell at the second fence in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Chase.
Proceedings were temporarily delayed on Day 3 of the Festival after Born Patriot fell at the top of the hill in the 2.10pm race. Screens were swiftly called onto the course as medical staff did their utmost to save the six-year-old.
The horse briefly managed to get back to its feet in an encouraging sign to spectators, though it was soon decided his injuries were too severe. Despite being walked into the horse ambulance, The Jockey Club later confirmed the medical team decided he would be put down.
A spokesperson for Cheltenham Racecourse told Mirror Sport: “Born Patriot sustained an injury in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle and was attended to by our veterinary team. After assessing the injury and treating him on course it was sadly necessary to put the horse to sleep. Our thoughts are with his connections.”
The Peter Fahey-trained contender Born Patriot was tipped to at least challenge for a first Cheltenham win in the Final Handicap Hurdle. Born Patriot had finished second to Kansas City Chief when he made his course debut in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle in October 2021.
The horse looked a fine prospect after winning his debut in the Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown in November 2020. He failed to win another race in nine more attempts but was rarely outside the podium places in a promising career on the Irish circuit.
Supporters and racing enthusiasts were quick to show compassion for the injured horse, with many rooting for him to pull through after what was clearly a damaging fall. Jockey Kevin Sexton was also in people's thoughts after he appeared to be hurt in the incident. Despite the tragic nature of the news, the medical staff at Cheltenham were also praised for giving the horse its best possible chance of recovery as the ambulance was driven "very steadily back" towards the stables.
News of Born Patriot and Mindsmadeup's deaths comes not long after Shallwehaveonemore sadly died in the opening race of the Festival on Tuesday. The Gary Moore-owned runner fell at the final jump in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and was put down due to the injuries he suffered.
