TRAGEDY struck Cheltenham races as horse Typhoon Flyer died after collapsing yards past the finish line.
The Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole-trained seven-year-old had just finished sixth in a handicap hurdle.
Beaten 15 lengths under 3lb claiming jockey Luke Scott, 6-1 Typhoon Flyer went down after the post having had a brilliant time leading for much of the race.
He was overtaken before the last in the 2m4½f contest and was running on fumes up the famous run-in.
Sadly his injury proved fatal, with ITV Racing tweeting: “Some sad news to bring you, Typhoon Flyer collapsed after finishing the Kingston Stud Handicap Hurdle, he was attended to by the veterinary team at Cheltenham, but sadly couldn’t be saved.
“Our thoughts are with connections at this time.”
Owners, syndicate Foxtrot Racing, had tweeted before the race: “Something special about having a runner @CheltenhamRaces. Good luck to all our owners!”
Viewers were quick to pass on their condolences soon after, with one posting: “Absolutely tragic. Condolences to connections/”
The 2.05 race was won by Nicky Henderson’s 11-4 favourite East India Express under Freddie Gordon.
But controversy hit the second race of their April meeting before the start.
In another example of National Hunt races getting off to dodgy starts, the 14 runners in this one appeared to get into their stride half a furlong before they were supposed to.
Cheltenham Festival was dogged by false starts, with a number of races having to be reset.
One Willie Mullins runner, Maughreen, lost all chance when she whipped round at the start of the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
🗣️ "They're nowhere near the start – what the hell is going on?!" 🏁#ITVRacing | @MCYeeehaaa pic.twitter.com/OKit404ySR
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 16, 2025
And in more chaotic scenes, this time the starter raised his flag with the runners a long, long way from the tape.
Sun racing columnist Matt Chapman appeared exasperated on ITV coverage as he said: “They’re nowhere near the start.
“What the hell is going on?”