Deaths, bans and welfare concerns at centre of NH Chase review

The National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival has been under increased scrutiny for the past two seasons due to horse deaths, whip offences and the unedifying sight of tired horses continuing to race.

In 2018 Patrick Mullins was chastised for his winning ride on Rathvinden and received a six-day ban for using his whip above the permitted level, while Mossback was fatally injured when falling in the four-mile contest.

When Cheltenham took the step of repositioning a fence in February this year the National Hunt Chase distance was slightly reduced to 3m7½f, but the spotlight fell on the race again in March following the death of Ballyward after a fall in front of the Best Mate Enclosure. Four jockeys were also banned for a total of 37 days when stewards deemed the amateurs in the race – won by the Jamie Codd-ridden Le Breuil – had continued to race "contrary to the horse's welfare" and had used the whip when a horse was showing no response.

Declan Lavery, one of the riders suspended, later had his ten-day ban overturned on appeal.

The bans ignited a series of squabbles, with Sir Anthony McCoy attacking stewards for an "embarrassing" decision, and criticism from horsemen for a perceived lack of understanding of jump racing by the BHA – chiefly its Australian staff.

Trainers also exchanged views on whether a long-distance chase for novice horses and amateur riders was still the right event for the meeting, with some extolling the race's virtues and others calling for it to be scrapped.

Ballyward was one of three equine deaths at March's festival, along with Sir Erec in the the Triumph Hurdle and Invitation Only in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

bet365 join the Racing Post app. You can bet directly with bet365 on the Racing Post iOS app – to download the latest must-have free app click here