THERE was tragedy at the Cheltenham Festival yesterday as Worcester-trained horse, the Govaness, suffered a fatal injury after a heavy tumble.
Ridden by Richard Johnson, the seven-year-old clipped the last fence and fell to the ground during the 4.10pm mares hurdle yesterday (March 15).
The Govaness was trained in Claines by Dr Richard Newland and owned by Cedric Brookes.
GB Racing posted this tweet after the fall:
We are saddened to report that The Govaness suffered a fatal injury in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle. Our thoughts are with connections.
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) March 15, 2016
The Govaness was one of three horses that suffered fatal injuries on the first day of the festival.
Pont Alexandre died after pulling up in the 4.50 and Jonjo O’Neill’s Rezorbi also died after the Novices’ Handicap Chase.