- Father Du Berlais suffered a fatal injury during the Champion Stayers Hurdle
- The 12-year-old cleared three obstacles from the end on Thursday
Trainer Gordon Ellioitt was left ‘absolutely heartbroken’ after the death of three-time Cheltenham winner Sire Du Berlais from a fatal injury.
The 12-year-old cleared three hurdles from the end of the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown on Thursday.
One of his three wins at Cheltenham was the 2023 Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle.
Father Du Berlais also twice claimed Aintree’s top flight Liverpool Hurdle.
An emotional Elliott paid tribute to JP McManus’ horse after the race.
Father Du Berlais suffered a fatal injury during the Champion Stayers Hurdle on Thursday
Trainer Gordon Elliott left ‘absolutely heartbroken’ after the death of ‘horse of a lifetime’
He told RacingTV: ‘It’s absolutely heartbreaking.
‘He has been the horse of our lives for us at Cullentra and everyone is devastated.
‘He has been incredible for us and we are all devastated.
“Our thoughts are with JP and the McManus family. It takes the shine off all week long.
“He always wore his heart on his sleeve and was great.”