Cheltenham is glorious, but Cheltenham also has the ability to create heart-breaking moments.
During the thrilling Ultima Handicap Chase, a story emerged that was barely believable in its tragedy, a story that could not fail to shock that day.
Highland Hunter, a handsome 11-year-old trained by Fergal O’Brien, was the favorite horse of Keagan Kirkby, the 25-year-old jockey who worked for Paul Nicholls but died last month after being thrown from the saddle during a point to point race.
Kirkby’s passing had a profound impact on the racing community and as a mark of respect, Highland Hunter led the funeral procession at his funeral.
This was last week, just days after the gelding achieved an emotional victory at Newbury.
Highland Hunter, an 11-year-old gray boy (left), collapsed and died in the 2.50pm Ultima Handicap Chase to cast a shadow over the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday.
He was the favorite horse of young jockey Keagan Kirkby (right), who died after falling from his horse during the final race of the day at Charing Racecourse in February.
The horse was driven through the village of Ditcheat for the amateur rider’s funeral on March 5.
That Highland Hunter collapsed on Tuesday and lost his life was difficult to comprehend.
O’Brien has two favorite runners on Thursday, Dysart Enos and Crambo. If there is balance in this world, one of them will provide the garden with a much-needed boost.
Highland Hunter was driven through the village of Ditcheat in Somerset for Kirkby’s funeral on Tuesday last week.
The sad news at Cheltenham was given by ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlain after the Ultima Handicap Chase at 2.50pm on Tuesday: “I’m afraid it’s the news we feared.”
He then read a statement from Cheltenham Racecourse, which said: “Highland Hunter was immediately cared for by expert veterinary professionals in the final stages of our third race, but sadly passed away.”
“Our deepest condolences to his contacts.”
After hearing the news, O’Brien tweeted: “Not sure we’ll be tweeting again today after this.” Absolutely devastated. Thank you for the messages we are already receiving and those to come.’
Highland Hunter, with Paddy Brennan on board, races to win at Newbury on March 2
Highland Hunter in the lead in a race at Newbury just 11 days before tragic death
Kirkby was scheduled to race at Cheltenham this year but was devastatingly killed when his horse went through a fence wing during the second circuit of the race at Charing Point-to-Point in Kent.
Recalling the tragic incident, his girlfriend Emily said: “One of the other riders spoke to me afterwards and said the horse went through the wing.”
“He said no cyclist could have done anything to prevent what happened – it was no one’s fault.”
‘There were two ambulances, the course doctor and an air ambulance, everyone did everything they could to save him. They were so good.’
The couple were due to holiday together in the Lake District for Emily’s birthday in May before house hunting for their first home together.
Keagan had already raced twice at Sunday’s meet, placing fourth and second before participating in the final test of the meet.
Highland Hunter outside the church where Kirkby’s funeral took place in Ditcheat
The talented young jockey was looking forward to racing at Newbury later this month, his first at a renowned racecourse.
Hunter’s death brings the festival’s death toll to 75 since 2000, as animal rights activists continue to call for the four-day event to be cancelled.
Nina Copleston-Hawkens, head of animal aid campaigns, said it was “unacceptable” that this event was allowed to continue after another horse lost its life.
She said: “The racing industry will no doubt dismiss this victim as a symptom of the ‘inherent risk’ involved in horse racing. “This makes no sense.
‘Horses do not accept this risk; they are raised in the world, pushed to the limit and killed when they are no longer useful to the industry, or on a racecourse after doing the best they can.’