Esme Cook looked after Abuffalosoldier who collapsed shortly after winning the 2.55 race, one of three horses to lose their lives at Sunday’s meeting

TRAGEDY struck at Cheltenham on Sunday as three horses, including the winner of the Holland Cooper Handicap Chase, sadly passed away on a devastating afternoon for the sport. Abuffalosoldier

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.

Tragedy overshadowed the Cheltenham meeting when three horses died – two in the same race. Abuffalosoldier collapsed and succumbed to a suspected cardio-vascular issue shortly after winning the Holland Cooper Handicap Chase and after jockey Sean Bowen had just been interviewed by Alice Plunkett for ITV at the top of the pull up area.

Abuffalosoldier collapsed immediately after winning the 2:55 at Cheltenham on Sunday - with medics rushing swiftly to its aid

Sunday's third and final day of the November Meeting at Cheltenham is overshadowed by the death of three horses.

Racing fans were left in shock after two horses died in the same race at Cheltenham on Sunday. Abuffalosoldier, ridden by Sean Bowen, produced a superb run to claim victory in the Holland Cooper Handicap Chase but collapsed just moments after crossing the finish line.

Disaster struck at Cheltenham on Sunday afternoon as Sean Bowen's Abuffalosoldier collapsed moments after winning the 2:55 race - the horse confirmed as passing away at the scene despite swift treatme