Kings Temptation: Animal charity condemns ‘unacceptable’ death toll after horse dies at Cheltenham Festival
Kings Temptation suffered an injury during the Glenfarclas Chase
An animal charity has condemned the “unacceptable” death toll at Cheltenham Festival after Kings Temptation became the 69th horse to die at the event since 2000.
Kings Temptation was ridden by Bryan Carver on day two of the Festival, in the Glenfarclas Chase won by Tiger Roll.
Chris Luffingham, campaigns director at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “The League is distressed to learn that Kings Temptation has died after suffering an injury during the Cross Country race on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.
“Around 200 horses are fatally injured on British race tracks every year and historically Cheltenham, along with Aintree, are two of the worst offenders. A total of 69 horses have now lost their lives at the Cheltenham Festival since 2000, which is simply unacceptable.
“The League is calling for tighter safety measures, the formation of an independent regulatory body with horse welfare at its heart, and a ban on the whipping of horses.”
The trainer of Kings Temptation, Ben Case, tweeted: “Very sadly we lost Kings Temptation at Cheltenham races today in the cross country race when suffered an injury on the flat. He had been a fantastic horse for us winning 6 times and will be greatly missed by all the team at home thoughts are with all connections RIP KT.”