TRAGIC racehorse Lord Halifax suffered a fatal injury just yards from the finish line in a race he was leading.
The 9-2 shot, ridden by Stevie Donohoe, went wrong in the final few strides of a 1m 2f contest at Newcastle.
Although it was clear something was wrong with the horse, he was so close to the line that he still finished second.
But sadly the injury proved fatal – and trainer Charlie Fellowes paid heartbreaking tribute to the five-year-old.
He said: “I have the best job in the world, but on the rare occasion there is nothing I would rather do less.
“Sadly we lost Lord Halifax today @NewcastleRaces my thoughts are with his patient owners who deserved so much more, and Kassandra who rode and adored him. She will be heartbroken.”
One racing follower wrote in reply: “In any circumstances it’s tragic. On the verge of such a deserved victory it seems so unfair! Thoughts with your entire team.”
While another posted: “So sorry Charlie thoughts with all the team.”
Lord Halifax was two lengths ahead of rivals when disaster struck.
It was not immediately clear what the cause of distress was but Donohue did his utmost to stop the horse as soon as he could.
Lord Halifax was headed in the final few strides by Kevin Stott aboard 7-1 shot Starfighter.
More to follow.
