The Cheltenham Festival 2026 has been marred by the deaths of two horses, Hansard and HMS Seahorse, both sustaining fatal injuries during races on March 10 and 11 respectively. Hansard was put down after suffering a fatal injury in the Arkle race, while HMS Seahorse fell at the final hurdle in the third race of the following day and could not be saved. The Cheltenham racecourse expressed condolences to the horses’ connections and highlighted the immediate veterinary attention given.

In response, the RSPCA expressed devastation over these incidents, noting that these deaths bring the total horse fatalities linked to UK horseracing to 21 so far this year. They called for lessons to be learned regarding race safety and welfare measures, pledging to work with the British Horseracing Authority to improve conditions. Animal rights group PETA condemned the sport, citing thousands of horse deaths over the past decade and calling for the cancellation of racing festivals like Cheltenham to protect equine welfare. The festival is scheduled to conclude on March 13.