Four Thoroughbreds have died on the Oct. 14 opening day of Wetherby’s first meet of the jump season in England.

Marrel and Divex were euthanized after they were injured in the feature race, the Bobby Renton Chase. The same happened to Nut Hand following the first race and Miss Giboa broke a leg when falling in the last.

Wetherby was criticized for inconsistent ground last season but course clerk Jonjo Sanderson said Wednesday: “It’s awful news and not the start we wanted. The trainers are not blaming it on the ground, or at least they haven’t said that to me. The head groundsman is absolutely devastated. The course inspector was here today and everyone seemed happy with it