BHA refute Many Clouds welfare claims

Officials at the British Horseracing Authority have denied claims Many Clouds was at increased risk in continuing to race having previously had what was described as a “wobble” after two of his big-race successes.

The Oliver Sherwood-trained 10-year-old collapsed and died shortly after the line following his victory over Gold Cup favourite Thistlecrack at Cheltenham on Saturday.

There had been concern over his well-being immediately after his Hennessy Gold Cup win of 2014 and his finest hour in the Grand National at Aintree in 2015, but he swiftly recovered on both occasions.