BREAKING Malinello dies after horse’s fall in final Cheltenham Festival race of day one
A horse that fell in the final race of the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival has been confirmed dead.
Malinello, a 125-1 shot ridden by Gina Andrews and trained by Ben Pauling, was running in the National Hunt Challenge Cup when he tumbled at the 16th fence. The eight-year-old gelding was duly treated by Cheltenham’s veterinary team.
But a racecourse spokesperson later confirmed the horse had passed away: “Sadly Malinello sustained an injury in the final race of the day,” the said. “He was attended to by the on-course veterinary team and assessed immediately, but very sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with all his connections.”
The 5.30pm race was won by favourite Gaillard Du Mesnil in a thrilling finish, chasing down Chemical Energy. But the outcome has now been overshadowed by the tragic incident.
Malinello was owned by Martin and Lynn Jones, and had already won twice in his nine career races. He had already amassed £20,000 in winnings, with his maiden victory coming at the novices’ handicap chase at Newcastle last November.
In January, he took part in a handicap chase at Cheltenham as part of Festival Trials Day, subsequently earning a place at the famous Festival. Trainer Pauling is a former assistant trainer to the renowned Nicky Henderson.
The fatality was tainted what had been a dramatic opening day of the 2023 Festival. Constitution Hill justified his favourite status with a resounding victory in the Champion Hurdle.
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