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Kempton Park meeting marred by deaths of three horses.
Summary
Three horses — Kalif Du Berlais, Peso and Wertpol — were euthanised after sustaining injuries at Kempton Park's Lanzarote Hurdle meeting, and racecourse veterinary teams said euthanasia was carried out on welfare grounds.
Content
The Lanzarote Hurdle meeting at Kempton Park saw three horses put down after suffering injuries during races, prompting statements from trainers and the racecourse about welfare and sorrow for connections. One of the horses, Grade One winner Kalif Du Berlais, was owned in part by a group that includes Sir Alex Ferguson. Trainers and the racecourse veterinary team described rapid assessment and welfare-led decisions. The incidents were described by those involved as a deeply upsetting day for staff and owners.
What happened:
- Three horses — Kalif Du Berlais, Peso and Wertpol — sustained injuries during separate races and were euthanised following veterinary assessment.
- Racecourse veterinary teams attended each incident and determined that humane euthanasia was the appropriate course of action on welfare grounds.
- Trainer Paul Nicholls called the loss of Kalif Du Berlais "a real kick in the teeth" and "a sad day," and said connections were deeply affected.
- Trainer Harry Derham said Wertpol had been a promising juvenile and expressed sadness for the syndicate; Kempton Park issued condolences and emphasised the care given to racehorses.
Summary:
The deaths prompted public statements from trainers and a Kempton Park spokesperson noting that veterinary teams made welfare-based decisions and offering condolences to the horses' connections. Undetermined at this time.
