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."
A fellow racing fan said: "Sending everyone @FellowesRacing all my thoughts this evening after the incident with Lord Halifax, especially the girl who looked after him who was distraught."
Another post read: "So sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with Lord Halifax and all those who loved and appreciated him."
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.
The horse had won victory – a Class 5 handicap over 1m 4f at Kempton in December 2019.
But he was showing great form after undergoing wind surgery on October 27.
Prior to this evening's tragedy, he had finished runner-up in two races, one on December 2 and the other on Boxing Day.
He had won a total of £8,729 for owners Never So Bold – Aquino.
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