Sir Alex Ferguson suffered a loss as his prized horse, Kalif Du Berlais, tragically passed away during a race at Kempton Park. The six-year-old gelding, a strong contender in the Grade Two Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase, was leading the race under jockey Harry Cobden when an error at the ninth fence caused him to unseat Cobden.
Despite immediate veterinary attention, Kalif Du Berlais sustained a fatal injury. Another horse, Wertpol, also lost its life after a fall at the final hurdle of another race on the card. The racing community mourned the loss of these two horses, with ITV Racing expressing condolences to their connections.
Kalif Du Berlais, owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and associates, had an impressive track record, winning six out of 11 races, including the Grade One Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree. The incident overshadowed Edwardstone’s victory in the Arkle Novices’ Chase, with jockey Tom Cannon acknowledging the bittersweet atmosphere.
Fans paid tribute to Kalif Du Berlais on social media, recognizing the talented horse’s untimely departure. The tragic events served as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks in horse racing and the importance of prioritizing the well-being of these magnificent animals.