Sir Erec had to be put down moments after the first race of the final day at the Cheltenham Festival – the second fatality of the week.
It was confirmed shortly after the race was complete following Pentland Hills shock 20/1 win in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
Pentland Hills rode a sound race and deserved the victory however, the race was marred by the tragic moment hot favourite Sir Erec broke down mid-way through.
Sir Erec stumbled over a fence, snapped its leg and collapsed on the course before green screens were erected.
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News was eventually broke by an emotional Ed Chamberlain live on ITV Racing.
He initially said: “There was a real sickening moment during the race. Green screens will go up as a precaution. We will keep you updated as much as you can.”
While AP McCoy said: “It’s absolutely breaking. That’s the toughest thing about sport. It’s heartbreaking, there’s no other way to describe it.”
News that everyone feared then filtered through moments later when Sir Erec’s death was confirmed by on-course medics.
Chamberlin paused and told viewers: “We’re hearing the worst, Sir Eric has died.”
Trainer Nicky Henderson paid tribute moments after its death and said: ”What a gorgeous horse Sir Erec was. Your heart goes out to them. We’re all a family and JP is a big part of our team. He’s one of the great men of national hunt racing. That was not fair at all.”
While winning jockey Nico de Boinville said: “You never like to win a race when that has happened but it is the reality of the sport.
“It’s a tragedy and thoughts are with Sir Erec’s connections.
“But take nothing away from my horse. He made a bad error at the first where he over-jumped it and recovered well after that.”
The 10/11 favourite had to have its shoe refitted just before the race got underway in a bizarre moment that confused all onlookers.
Last week, the horse, owned by JP McManus, suffered a stone bruise injury but it was thought there were no serious problems.
Animal Aid, a charity which is against breeding horses for racing, were quick to lament what happened to Sir Erec.
“RIP Sir Erec. Killed at Cheltenham today. This event is lethal for horses and racing at Cheltenham should be halted immediately. Race horse welfare has to come before profits,” they said.