To be fair for very good reason. However, the fact that a hot day in the sun is enough to abandon the mares' race at Cheltenham may be a sign of things to come. The welfare of horses is of utmost importance and when the temperatures when up to 25 degrees them track vets were asked to make a decision for the sapping 3m 2f chase.
On the same card, three horses - running over less distances - had suffered heat stress and vets were concerned runners may well be affected.
After the ending race, Dame Rose collapsed and died, although connections will need a post-mortem to establish the facts.
Trainers had mixed viewed about the abandonment of the race. Donald McCain, Charlie Man & Fergal O'Brien were critical.
Richard Johnston and Dan Skelton suggests it was the quick change in weather which meant horses were not acclimatized.