Three racehorses have died on the opening day of Cheltenham Festival.
Cheltenham officials have said they will review the incidents after Garde Champetre and Scotsirish were euthanised after suffering leg fractures on the flat in the Cross-Country Chase while Educated Evans was put down after breaking a hind leg in the novices' chase.
"It's obviously sad when these things happen, but we have a very good record here for horse welfare," said clerk of the course Simon Claisse.
"Obviously it is very sad that two horses suffered injuries from which they couldn't recover in the Cross-Country Chase and had to be put down.
"That race has a very good record. We've had 375 runners in it since 2000, and only previously one fatality."
British Horseracing Authority (BHA) spokesman Robin Mounsey confirmed the course was inspected twice before the meeting and that it was deemed fit for racing.
"The fences and ground were given a full inspection eight days ago and again today. The ground was considered fit for racing," said Mounsey.
In the highlight of the day Rock on Ruby was a surprise winner in the Champion Hurdle.
Pascal Lemesre
