Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson has been struck by a profound tragedy in the world of horse racing, following the death of his star chaser Kalif Du Berlais at Kempton Park.
A Fatal Fall in the Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase
The six-year-old gelding, trained by the 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls at his Ditcheat yard in Somerset, was the favourite for the Grade Two Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase. Ridden by jockey Harry Cobden, Kalif Du Berlais was leading the race when disaster struck at the ninth fence of sixteen. The horse made a mistake, unseating Cobden, and sustained a catastrophic injury.
Despite the immediate attention of on-course veterinary teams, the injury proved fatal. The incident cast a long shadow over the day's racing, which also saw the loss of another horse, Wertpol, in a separate race on the card.
A Rising Star Cut Short
Kalif Du Berlais was widely regarded as one of the finest prospects in Nicholls' stable and a personal favourite of Ferguson, who owned the horse in partnership with friends including Ged Mason. His record was impressive, with six wins from just eleven career starts.
His crowning achievement came in April, when he secured a Grade One victory in the Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree, demonstrating his talent over the famous Grand National fences. His return to Kempton, where he had shone as a juvenile hurdler, was highly anticipated.
Sport United in Grief and Tribute
ITV Racing released a statement expressing deep sadness for the losses, extending heartfelt condolences to all connections. The victory of veteran Edwardstone in the same race was heavily tempered by the sombre mood, with winning rider Tom Cannon acknowledging the "tinge of sadness."
The racing community quickly rallied online, flooding social media with tributes to the talented young horse. One fan wrote, "Heartbreaking news... two phenomenal horses who tragically leave the world doing what they love," while others expressed solidarity with trainer Paul Nicholls, jockey Harry Cobden, and the stable staff who cared for him daily.
This poignant incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in National Hunt racing, shifting focus from mere results and profit to the welfare and passion centred on the horses themselves.
