Gold Cup horse Corbetts Cross suffered a fatal injury during the showpiece event on Day Four of the Cheltenham Festival. The horse being rode by Irish jockey, Jack Kennedy, fell towards the backend of Friday’s race.
The eight-year-old, who was priced at 14/1 ahead of the race, had been well-placed heading into the final few fences of the Gold Cup. However, after falling, the horse was attended to by veterinary professionals, who were unable to save its life.
Corbetts Cross becomes the second horse to pass away at this week’s Festival, following a tragic fall for Springwell Bay on Day Three.
A statement read: « In our fifth race of the day, Corbett’s Cross was immediately attended to by our veterinary professionals, but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections. »
After reading out the statement, ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin said live on air: « I’m afraid though the news about Corbetts Cross is the news we feared… which is so sad for J. P. McManus, taking the gloss off winning with Inothewayurthinkin. J.P. is a man who loves his horses so much, our condolences to Jack Kennedy, who rode the whole team. A sad post-script to the Gold Cup, I’m afraid. »
Corbetts Cross’ owner was J.P. McManus, with the Gold Cup proving a bittersweet race for him, considering the winner, Inothewayurthinkin, is also owned by the Irishman. The 7/1 shot pipped pre-race favourite and back-to-back defending champion Galopin Des Champs to the title during a dramatic race.
The winning jockey, Mark Walsh, said: “I’m dancing inside. I can’t believe it. He jumped well, just missed the ditch. Paul [Townend on Galopin Des Champs] was on my outside and early on, he missed a few fences and I just thought he wasn’t happy. This boy [Inothewayurthinkin] has had to grow up over the last year. Gavin Cromwell is a genius having him spot on for today. I’m delighted.”
Galopin Des Champs had been eyeing up a historic three-peat Gold Cup victory, but placed second in the end. His jockey, Paul Townsend, reacted: “Everything seemed to be a bit of an effort. He came strong over the top of the hill last time and I hoped for the same. It’s disappointing to get beaten, he’s back, he’s fine and it will give Gavin Cromwell something to shout about for a long time.
“The first thing I was thinking, was that this ground was livelier than he appreciates. But no excuses, it wasn’t good enough on the day.”
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