Introduction
The 2021 Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious annual horse races in the world, and the news of a horse dying during the race has shocked the racing world. The tragic news of the death of the horse, The Cliffsofmoher, has cast a pall over the 2021 Melbourne Cup, with many people asking the question: how many horses died in the 2021 Melbourne Cup?
Death of The Cliffsofmoher
The death of The Cliffsofmoher was the first death in the Melbourne Cup since 2013, when Verema died during the race. The five-year-old horse, trained by Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien, was injured after the first turn and had to be euthanised on the course. The death of The Cliffsofmoher has prompted a wide-ranging review into the welfare of horses in racing, with the Victorian Racing Integrity Board (VRIB) conducting an investigation into the incident.
What Causes Horse Deaths in Racing?
The death of The Cliffsofmoher has raised questions about the safety of horses in racing. While the exact causes of horse deaths in racing are unknown, there are a number of factors that can contribute to a horse’s death during a race, including:
- Exhaustion: Horses can become exhausted during a race, especially when they are asked to run faster than they are capable of. This can lead to a horse becoming overheated and can lead to serious injury or death.
- Injury: Horses can suffer injuries during a race, such as broken bones, tendon injuries or muscle strains. Severe injuries can lead to a horse being put down.
- Illness: Horses can suffer from a variety of illnesses, such as colic, which can be deadly if not treated in time.
How Many Horses Died in the 2021 Melbourne Cup?
The death of The Cliffsofmoher was the only death in the 2021 Melbourne Cup. No other horses were reported to have been injured or killed during the race.
Investigation Into The Death of The Cliffsofmoher
The VRIB has launched an investigation into the incident and is expected to release a report in the coming weeks. The investigation will look into the circumstances surrounding the death of The Cliffsofmoher and make recommendations to improve the safety of horses in racing.
Deaths in Previous Melbourne Cups
The death of The Cliffsofmoher was the first death in the Melbourne Cup since 2013, when Verema died during the race. Before that, the last death in the Melbourne Cup occurred in 2006, when Barbaricus died after the race.
Deaths in Other Major Races
The death of The Cliffsofmoher is not the only death in recent years in major horse races. In the 2018 Grand National, which is one of the biggest horse races in the world, two horses died during the race. In 2017, two horses died during the Kentucky Derby and one horse died during the Preakness Stakes, another major US race.
Safety Measures in Place to Reduce Horse Deaths
In order to reduce the number of horse deaths in racing, there are a number of safety measures in place. These include:
- Veterinarian Checks: All horses competing in a race must undergo a pre-race veterinary check, which can detect any injuries or illnesses that may be present.
- Safety Equipment: Horses are required to wear safety equipment during a race, including helmets and vests, which can help to reduce the risk of injury.
- Track Maintenance: Tracks must be well-maintained in order to reduce the risk of injury to horses. This includes ensuring the track is free from debris and that the surface is even.
Conclusion
The death of The Cliffsofmoher in the 2021 Melbourne Cup has been a tragedy for the horse racing world. The incident has highlighted the need for improved safety measures to reduce the risk of horse deaths in racing. While the exact causes of horse deaths in racing are unknown, there are a number of safety measures that can be implemented to reduce the risk of injury or death to horses.