Jake Massey
A fourth horse has died at Cheltenham Festival after falling at a hurdle.
Ginto had to be put down today (18 March) after falling at the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle on Gold Cup Friday at Cheltenham Racecourse.
It comes after Shallwehaveonemore died after falling during the first race of the festival, with Mindsmadeup and Born Patriot both put down on the third day of the festival yesterday.
Tributes to Ginto have been shared on social media:
The festival has been long-awaited by horse racing fans due to delays caused by the pandemic.
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However, Cheltenham Festival continues to face backlash from animal protection organisations such as Animal Aid.
Commenting on the death of Ginto, the non-profit organisation said: "What we've witnessed this year at Cheltenham has been absolutely despicable.
"Ludicrous displays on ITV, parading around 'winners' and making tasteless puns while horses fight for and lose their lives. All in the name of entertainment. RIP Ginto."
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has labelled the sport 'racing to the grave' for horses.
On its website, it states: "Horses begin training or are already racing when their skeletal systems are still growing and are unprepared to handle the pressures of competition racing on a hard track at high speeds.
"One study on injuries at racetracks concluded that one horse in every 22 races suffered an injury that prevented him or her from finishing a race, while another estimated that 3 thoroughbreds die every day in North America because of catastrophic injuries during races."
Following the death of Shallwehaveonemore earlier this week, ITV Racing tweeted: "We're sad to report Shallwehaveonemore has unfortunately had to be put down following a fall in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
"Our deepest sympathies to all connections."
UNILAD has contacted ITV for comment.
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