“Hansard did not fall at any fence — but suddenly went down and had to be put down while still running, turning Cheltenham 2026’s opening day into a moment that left many stunned.” The eight-year-old suffered a fatal injury in the second race of the day, while the action was still unfolding and attention remained fixed on the track ahead.

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Cheltenham Festival 2026: Hansard dies after sustaining ‘fatal injury’ in second race of the day A horse has been put down after sustaining a fatal injury on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival 2026. Hansard was running in the second race of the day, the Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase, which is about … Read more