WORCESTER-trained The Govaness suffered a fatal injury after a heavy tumble in the 4.10pm mares hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Ridden by Herefordshire ace Richard Johnson, The Govaness clipped the last fence and fell to the ground when challenging among the front runners.

The seven-year-old was trained in Claines by Dr Richard Newland and owned by Cedric Brookes.

 

 

 


Newland, who famously trained Pineau De Re to Grand National glory at Aintree two years ago, had high hopes for The Govaness.

Speaking before the race, Newland said he hoped she would become his first winner at Cheltenham in nine years.

Newland last achieved a Cheltenham winner with Burntoakboy in the Coral Cup in 2007.

"She's a very talented mare sent to me this year by Cedric Brookes," said Newland.

"She hasn't won for me yet but was a very close second at Sandown. She seems to be in good form and looks a good each-way shout."

Strong favourite Vroum Vroum Mag cruised home in first place.

There was another fatality on the opening day at Cheltenham.

The Willie Mullins-trained Pont Alexandre suffered a fatal injury in the National Hunt Chase.

 

Warning: This video contains graphic footage of the horse's fall