Three horses killed on opening day of Cheltenham Festival in worrying echo of last year's Grand National meet

The Cheltenham Festival began yesterday with its most tragic day for six years.

Three horses were put down after suffering serious injuries.

Spectators and TV viewers watched in horror as the first, Scotsirish – who had been the favourite to win his race – broke a hind leg at a hurdle. The horse’s distress was witnessed by millions in TV footage as he was pulled up.

Another runner in the same race, Garde Champetre, was also destroyed after sustaining a similar injury.

Officials later announced that a third horse, Educated Evans, was to be put down after falling in the 2½-mile novice chase – the final event of the day. Read More