The Cheltenham festival has experienced a tragic event as a third horse, Envoi Allen, has died following his participation in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. This 12-year-old horse, who was already slated to retire after this race, collapsed after finishing ninth in what was supposed to be his final event. The festival, which is known for its competitive and high-stakes races, has now come under scrutiny due to the fatalities that have occurred this year.

Envoi Allen's owners, Cheveley Park Stud, confirmed that he was to retire after this race, marking the end of a notable career in which he had won ten Grade One races. This incident follows the deaths of two other horses, HMS Seahorse and Hansard, during the same festival. The continued loss of horses at this event has prompted serious discussions about the welfare of racehorses and the environmental and physical stresses they face during competitive events.

Animal welfare groups, including the RSPCA, have expressed their concern, stating that lessons must be learned to prevent such tragedies in the future. The deaths of three horses in a single festival highlight not only a potential deficiency in the protections afforded to racehorses but also raise alarm over the broader implications for the sport's reputation. A thorough investigation into the contributing factors may be essential in restoring faith in horse racing’s current practices.