Paul Nicholls described the loss of Kalif Du Berlais as “a real kick in the teeth” after the talented chaser was fatally injured in the Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton. The racecourse veterinary team treated him immediately, but the Grade One-winning gelding – whose ownership group includes Sir Alex Ferguson – was unable to be saved. Nicholls said: “It’s a sad day when you lose horses like that, it’s hard on the whole team. All our thoughts are with the Paul Nicholls team and Kalif Du Berlais’ connections.” There was another fatal injury on the same afternoon as Harry Derham’s Wertpol fell heavily at the last flight when running a big race in the juvenile hurdle. An ITV Racing statement on both deaths said: “We are deeply saddened to report the loss of Wertpol and Kalif Du Berlais.

Source: Irish Examiner January 10, 2026 19:22 UTC