Racehorse Our Conor suffers fatal fall in Cheltenham Champion Hurdle

One of the leading fancies for the Stan James Champion Hurdle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival, Our Conor, has been put down after suffering a fatal fall in the race.

The five-year-old fell six from home under Danny Mullins in the fourth race of the day at Cheltenham, suffering a serious back injury.

Vets treated Our Conor on the course and initial reports were that painkillers had helped the Dessie Hughes-trained horse. However, he was then humanely put down because of the back problem.

The British Horseracing Authority confirmed the death, tweeting: "Sad to confirm that Our Conor after extensive treatment by veterinary surgeons was humanely put down due to a suspected serious back injury."

Jezki went on to win the first day's feature race.