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Investigation into deaths at Cheltenham Festival
Raya Star at the Kingwell Hurdle, Wincanton, in February last year.
Raya Star at the Kingwell Hurdle, Wincanton, in February last year.

RSPCA to raise course factors with British Horseracing Authority

The deaths of four horses at the Cheltenham Festival, has prompted an investigation by the RSPCA.

The festival saw racecourse veterinary surgeons euthanise Our Conor on day one of the four day festival, after he suffered a serious back injury in a fall.

There were two casualties on day two; Akdam sustained a broken leg, and Stack the Deck a fractured left fore-knee.  Both were euthanised.

The fourth and final day meanwhile saw Raya Star euthanised after suffering a suspected broken back.

"The RSPCA is extremely saddened by the deaths of four horses at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.  Any evidence gathered will be considered as part of a full investigation by the RSPCA’s equine consultant.

"The findings of the investigation, and any possible course-related factors which may have contributed to the deaths, will be raised with the British Horseracing Authority and Cheltenham Racecourse management," said a spokesman for the RSPCA.

More than 450 horse raced over the four day festival.

Image by Carine06

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here. 

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.