The 2023 Cheltenham Festival reported a tragic fatality on day one of the meeting as Malinello suffered an injury in the Wellchild National Hunt Challenge Cup.
The Ben Pauling-trained eight-year-old, who was a 125-1 chance ridden by Gina Andrews, took a heavy fall at the 16th fence of the 3m5f race.
Following the conclusion of the final contest it was sadly confirmed that Malinello passed away, despite the best efforts of Cheltenham’s veterinary team. A racecourse spokesperson said: “Sadly Malinello sustained an injury in the final race of the day.
“He was attended to by the on-course veterinary team and assessed immediately, but very sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with all his connections.”
Malinello, owned by Martin and Lynn Jones, had raced nine times, gaining two successes to earn nearly £20,000 in his career.
He gained his first victory over fences in November last year when he claimed a novices’ handicap chase at Newcastle by half a length on his first start after 22 months off.
He finished third at Newbury next time out and then competed in another handicap chase at Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day in January.
Pauling is a former assistant trainer to Nicky Henderson, who started his own career in 2013, with just eight horses.
Now based at a state-of-the-art facility adjacent to Naunton Downs Golf Club near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, he is enjoying his most successful campaign with 74 winners.
He has trained three Cheltenham Festival winners, Willoughby Court, Le Breuil and Global Citizen, who captured the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase 12 months ago.
The National Hunt Chase was won by the odds-on favourite Gaillard Du Mesnil.
The Willie Mullins-trained 10-11 favourite was gifted victory when long-time leader Mahler Mission came down with the winning post in sight.
Patrick Mullins’ mount took advantage to beat Chemical Energy in the last race of the day.
