Highland Hunter has died at Cheltenham Festival after suffering a nasty fall in the Ultima Handicap Chase.
Shortly after the 2.50pm race got underway, Highland Hunter sustained a fatal injury after going over one of the jumps.
ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin confirmed the tragic news live on TV shortly after the race.
"I'm afraid it's the news we feared," Chamberlin said.
Highland Hunter has died after suffering injuries in a nasty fall
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"The racecourse have been in touch to say this 'Highland Hunter was immediately attended to by expert veterinary professionals during the third race, the Ultima Handicap, but sadly sustained a fatal injury'.
"They say 'our heartfelt condolences are with connections' and we echo that."
Trainer Fergal O'Brien took to social media shortly after to speak of his heartbreak.
“Not sure we’ll be tweeting again today after this," he wrote on X.
"Absolutely devastated.
"Thanks for the messages we’re already receiving and those to come #RIPHighlandHunter.”
A spokesperson for Cheltenham Racecourse said: "Highland Hunter was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals in the concluding stages of our third race but sadly passed away.
"Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections."
Highland Hunter's death comes just days after the 11-year-old led the procession at the funeral of amateur jockey Keagan Kirkby.
Fergal O'Brien confirmed the tragic news on social media
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The horse was Kirkby's favourite, who worked for 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls.
At least one horse has died at every Cheltenham Festival since 2000 with 2006 the most tragic year on record, according to long-standing animal rights group Animal Aid.
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Highland Hunter (L) was ridden by jockey Paddy Brennan
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There were six fatalities on March 16, 2006 with 11 horses dying over the course of the four-day meeting.
Animal Aid's data shows that a total of 74 horses have died at the event in the last 24 years.
