Corbetts Cross killed in Cheltenham Gold Cup as shocked viewers witness tragedy

A second horse has died at the Cheltenham Festival.

Corbetts Cross has passed away after falling during the Gold Cup race on Friday afternoon. The horse, ridden by Jack Kennedy, is the second to die at this year's festival.

On Thursday afternoon, it was confirmed that eight-year-old bay gelding Springwell Bay had also died after falling in the Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap.

Corbetts Cross was in the chasing pack heading into the final stages of the Gold Cup race, but suffered a heavy fall going over one of the fences, leaving viewers at home horrified.

The gelding stayed down as he was tended to by the veterinary professionals before being taken away in a horse ambulance. As racing fans waited for an update, they took to social media to voice their concern.

"Corbetts Cross still down," wrote one. "Does not look good, hope he is ok." Another added: "Nasty fall for Corbetts Cross, fingers crossed everything’s okay," while a third said they were "praying for Corbetts Cross".

However, it was later tragically confirmed that he had died, becoming the 78th horse to lose their life at the Cheltenham Festival since the turn of the century. According to Animal Aid figures, a horse has died at every single festival since 2000.

A statement from Cheltenham read: "In our fifth race of the day, Corbett’s Cross was immediately attended to by our veterinary professionals, but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections."