The title of the article is: This is NOT the first time at this ‘notorious’ race… Thousands of fans are outraged and boycotting this year’s Cheltenham Race: The track remains indifferent to safety, putting famous jockey Jamie Moore in DANGER, while the previous horrific death still haunts – BHA forced to investigate bribery, are there more shocking scandals being covered up?
The Cheltenham Festival, one of the most prestigious events in jump racing, has once again found itself at the center of intense controversy as the 2026 edition approaches. Thousands of fans, animal welfare advocates, and even some within the racing community are expressing outrage over what they describe as the track’s persistent indifference to safety concerns. Calls for boycotts have intensified, with critics arguing that the event prioritizes spectacle and profit over the welfare of horses and jockeys alike.
The “notorious” reputation of Cheltenham stems from a long history of equine fatalities and serious injuries, and recent events have only amplified these criticisms.
Animal rights groups, including the League Against Cruel Sports, have repeatedly urged the public to boycott the Festival. In previous years, such as 2025, they highlighted shocking statistics: dozens of horses have died at Cheltenham over the decades, with the venue holding the grim record for the most fatalities in a single day of racing. Horses have perished every year since 2000 (barring the 2001 cancellation due to foot-and-mouth disease), often from falls at demanding fences or exercise-associated issues like cardiac arrest. Recent fatalities, including high-profile cases in the Gold Cup and other races, continue to haunt the sport.
One particularly tragic incident involved a horse suffering a fatal injury during the feature race, prompting renewed scrutiny of the course’s challenging layout and ground conditions. Campaigners argue that these deaths are preventable and that the industry has failed to implement sufficient reforms despite promises of improved safety measures.
The outrage extends beyond equine welfare to the human cost. Jockeys face immense risks in jump racing, and Cheltenham’s fences have been labeled “lethal” by some observers. While Jamie Moore, a former top jockey with multiple Festival wins, is no longer riding—having retired in 2024 on medical advice following a series of severe injuries—the mention of his name in current discussions underscores the enduring dangers. Moore’s career was marked by resilience through numerous broken bones, including a fractured vertebra that ultimately ended his time in the saddle.
His high-profile falls, such as the dramatic unseating from Goshen in 2020 that drew widespread attention and even abuse online, remain etched in the memory of fans. Although Moore is safely retired, critics point to his experiences as emblematic of the ongoing perils for current riders. The physical toll on jockeys—broken backs, necks in braces, and career-ending fractures—fuels arguments that the Festival’s demands push participants to the brink.
Compounding the safety concerns are allegations of deeper issues within the sport. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has faced pressure to investigate various matters, including past corruption probes. While no recent bribery scandals directly tied to the current Cheltenham Festival have emerged prominently, historical cases involving jockeys, trainers, and betting irregularities have left a lingering distrust. For instance, earlier BHA inquiries into corruption, fraud, and race-fixing have resulted in lengthy bans for individuals involved. Fans speculate whether more scandals are being covered up, especially given the high stakes and financial interests surrounding major meetings like Cheltenham.
The combination of these elements—equine deaths, jockey risks, and questions of integrity—has led many to question if the sport is truly committed to reform or simply managing PR crises.
The track’s management and organizers have defended their safety record in the past, emphasizing veterinary protocols, course modifications, and ongoing reviews. Yet, for detractors, these measures fall short. The Festival’s prestige draws massive crowds and betting turnover, but at what cost? Recent meetings elsewhere, such as Kempton Park where multiple horses died in a single card, have heightened calls for systemic change across British jump racing. Punters and spectators have voiced frustration over operational issues too, from false starts to inflated prices, but the core anger revolves around welfare.
As the 2026 Cheltenham Festival nears, the boycott movement gains traction on social media and through advocacy organizations. Supporters of the event counter that jump racing is a traditional sport with inherent risks that participants accept, and that it provides livelihoods for thousands while showcasing equine athleticism. However, the growing divide is clear: for many, the Festival represents outdated entertainment built on unnecessary suffering, while others see it as a cherished cultural institution needing careful stewardship rather than abolition.
The haunting legacy of past deaths, the physical dangers exemplified by careers like Jamie Moore’s, and whispers of unresolved integrity issues have created a perfect storm of discontent. Whether the BHA’s oversight leads to meaningful investigations or if public pressure forces real change remains uncertain. What is evident is that this year’s event will not proceed without significant scrutiny. Thousands are watching closely, and for the first time in many memories, a substantial portion may choose to stay away rather than witness what they view as an indifferent continuation of a problematic tradition.
The sport stands at a crossroads, where ignoring these voices could erode its future support base irreparably.
