The 2026 Cheltenham Festival has been marred by the deaths of three horses, including Envoi Allen, who collapsed after the Gold Cup race and was due to retire. Envoi Allen was a celebrated 12-year-old with multiple Cheltenham wins and ten Grade One victories. Earlier in the festival, HMS Seahorse and Hansard also suffered fatal injuries during their races, with both horses receiving immediate veterinary attention but ultimately being euthanized for welfare reasons.

These incidents have sparked renewed criticism from animal welfare advocates, including PETA, highlighting the risks horses face in racing events. PETA’s Vice President Elisa Allen condemned the sport for the high number of horse fatalities and called for the cancellation of the Cheltenham Festival and similar racing events to protect horse welfare. The festival organizers expressed condolences to the connections of the horses involved.