Warren Greatrex left devastated after Abuffalosoldier suffers fatal injury after Cheltenham win

A devastated Warren Greatrex paid tribute to Abuffalosoldier, who suffered a suspected heart attack and died just moments after producing a sensational round of jumping to win the 3m3½f handicap chase.

The seven-year-old collapsed when pulled up after the race, while Bangers And Cash also suffered a fatal injury after collapsing midway through the contest. Racecourse vet Liam Kearns said it was "a huge coincidence" that there were two fatalities in the same race.

Abuffalosoldier jumped superbly under Sean Bowen to record a fifth and final career victory. He has been with Greatrex throughout his career and was giving the yard a first Cheltenham winner in five years.

"It's heartbreaking," said Greatrex. "I'm very emotional. This sport can be the best in the world but sometimes it can be the hardest within an instant.

"He went out there and showed everyone what he could do with a scintillating performance. Nobody could say he wasn't enjoying himself and I thought he jumped as well as any horse has around Cheltenham, he was brilliant.

"He did everything right and I'm just devastated for everyone in the team, his owner and Esme Cook, who rode him out every day and looked after him. He was her best friend. It was something [the victory] we were looking forward to celebrating, but it's just really sad."

The Ben Pauling-trained Bangers And Cash made 20 starts, winning four races, including the Lincolnshire National in 2022.

Napper Tandy, trained by Matthew Smith, was a further fatality after falling two out in the Greatwood Hurdle.

In response, a BHA statement said: “The losses of Abuffalosoldier, Bangers And Cash and Napper Tandy are a tragedy for all connections and the thoughts of all of us at the BHA are with them.

"All three were provided with outstanding care and attention throughout their lives by those who cared for them and nobody will be more heartbroken than those individuals.

“As with all fatalities we will seek to understand the circumstances behind each incident as we strive to continue to reduce avoidable risk in our sport."

Peaky blinder

Nicky Henderson revealed there was much more to come from Peaky Boy after he made a successful debut over fences in the 2m4f novice handicap chase.

An unbeaten run stretching back to October 2022 looked in doubt as the 9-5 favourite needed to be pushed along by Nico de Boinville at the top of the hill, but he found plenty to strike by two and a half lengths from Westerninthepark.

It was a third win at the track for the six-year-old, who had been impressive when scoring on New Year's Day and at the April meeting.

Peaky Boy (left) jumps the final fence of the 2m4f novice handicap chase behind Westerninthepark but was in front at the lineCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos

"He might just still be a big baby," said Henderson. "He was ridden down on the paint, covering him up and not seeing a lot of his fences, but his jumping was superb. I'm surprised he didn't travel a bit more comfortably but Nico said it was fine.

"I think there's an awful lot of improvement in this horse, I don't think we've seen half of him yet. He could be a good horse. I'm sure he'll get three [miles], but I don't think he needs to yet."

Skelton leads way

Dan Skelton followed up his Saturday double through L'Eau Du Sud and Doyen Quest with another two winners to become the leading trainer at the November meeting.

Ace Of Spades kicked off the card with a courageous success in the 2m½f maiden hurdle when beating Country Park by a length, before Harry Skelton delivered a confident ride on Fortune De Mer to win on the bridle by a narrow margin.

The trainer said of Ace Of Spades: "The key move was not committing from three out. He'll be progressive. Last season he just improved and hopefully he can this season."

Masterful Matata

The Twiston-Davies team are mulling a Champion Chase route for MatataCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The December Gold Cup and the Champion Chase were nominated as potential targets for Matata after he landed the 2m handicap chase.

The 11-10 favourite was in a battle with Gunsight Ridge in the straight, but that rival fell at the last leaving the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained winner to coast home for a 26-length victory.

Two at the top

Harry Skelton and Sean Bowen lead the standings for the David Power Jockeys' Cup with 46 points after the opening weekend of the competition.

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