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Investigation into deaths at Cheltenham Festival
Raya Star at the Kingwell Hurdle, Wincanton, in February last year.
Raya Star at the Kingwell Hurdle, Wincanton, in February last year.

RSPCA to raise course factors with British Horseracing Authority

The deaths of four horses at the Cheltenham Festival, has prompted an investigation by the RSPCA.

The festival saw racecourse veterinary surgeons euthanise Our Conor on day one of the four day festival, after he suffered a serious back injury in a fall.

There were two casualties on day two; Akdam sustained a broken leg, and Stack the Deck a fractured left fore-knee.  Both were euthanised.

The fourth and final day meanwhile saw Raya Star euthanised after suffering a suspected broken back.

"The RSPCA is extremely saddened by the deaths of four horses at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.  Any evidence gathered will be considered as part of a full investigation by the RSPCA’s equine consultant.

"The findings of the investigation, and any possible course-related factors which may have contributed to the deaths, will be raised with the British Horseracing Authority and Cheltenham Racecourse management," said a spokesman for the RSPCA.

More than 450 horse raced over the four day festival.

Image by Carine06

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Milk recalled over presence of veterinary medicines

Graham's Family Dairy has issued a recall for its semi-skimmed milk due to the presence of veterinary medicines in the product.

In a risk statement, the Food Standards Agency said the presence of the medicines, including penicillin, make the milk unsafe to consume and 'may be a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to antibiotics'.

Customers who bought the product are advised to return it to the store of purchase for a full refund.