Sir Alex Ferguson’s six-year-old horse, Kalif Du Berlais, has died following a tragic incident during the Grade Two Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton Park this afternoon.
The gelding, who entered the race as favourite, was setting the pace under jockey Harry Cobden when he made a jumping error at the ninth of sixteen fences and parted company with his rider.
Veterinary teams rushed to attend the stricken horse, but he had sustained a fatal shoulder injury and could not be saved.
The thoroughbred had previously triumphed at the highest level over Aintree’s Grand National fences.
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Trainer Paul Nicholls, who has claimed fourteen championship titles, spoke movingly about his fallen stable star.
Mr Nicholls said: “He was a big bold horse that attacked his fences. He was enthusiastic today and travelling beautifully.”
The Somerset-based handler described the loss as a devastating blow for everyone connected to the horse.
He added: “It is a big kick in the teeth for everybody, the owners, and the poor girl that looks after him. Harry was extremely upset.”
Nicholls reflected on the horse’s unfulfilled potential.
He said: “We’ll never know where he would have ended up, but we had a lot of faith in him.”
Ferguson, who shared ownership of Kalif Du Berlais with friends including Ged Mason, witnessed the horse capture the Grade One Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree’s Grand National meeting last April.
That prestigious victory alone netted just over £67,000 in prize money.
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His brief but impressive career spanned just 11 starts.
The gelding accumulated nearly £200,000 in earnings while recording six victories.
His earlier successes included the Grade Two Adonis Juvenile Hurdle in February 2024, followed by a notable triumph at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day this year.
Today’s race marked his first return to Kempton Park since those promising juvenile hurdling days.
ITV Racing, broadcasting from the Surrey venue, released a statement confirming the tragic deaths of both Kalif Du Berlais and Wertpol, who fell during an earlier juvenile hurdle contest.
The broadcaster said: “We are deeply saddened to report the loss of Wertpol and Kalif Du Berlais.
“In both instances, the horses were immediately attended to by expert veterinary teams after sustaining injuries during their respective races but sadly could not be saved.
“Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with their connections during this difficult time.”
Nicholls praised the swift response of the veterinary staff, noting that his horse had appeared to change direction mid-jump before landing awkwardly.
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