Tragedy at Cheltenham Festival as horse Shallwehaveonemore suffers fatal injury in first race

TRAGEDY struck the first race at Cheltenham Festival as horse Shallwehaveonemore suffered a fatal injury at the final hurdle.

The big outsider had been racing in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, won by Nicky Henderson’s Constitution Hill.

Racecourse vets rushed to Shallwehaveonemore’s aid but the horse sadly had to be put down.

ITV racing host Ed Chamberlin said: “I’m afraid the news is what we feared about Shallwehaveonemore and he had to be put down after a fall at the last.

“You have to feel so sorry for the owner Steve Packham, who has had no luck at the Cheltenham Festival in the last few years.

“A sad start to the Cheltenham Festival.”

Packham previously saw Goshen unseat his rider at the final hurdle when miles clear in 2020 Triumph.

Fortunately that horse was OK and has since returned to racing, winning his past two races.

ITV Racing tweeted: “We’re sad to report Shallwehaveonemore has unfortunately had to be put down following a fall in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

“Our deepest sympathies to all connections.”

Devastated fans paid tribute to the Gary Moore-trained runner.

One said: “Terrible news – Shallwehaveonemore has been put down after the first.”

Another wrote: “Terrible news, condolences to everyone involved with Shallwehaveonemore.”

A fellow Twitter user posted: “Devastated to hear Shallwehaveonemore has been put to sleep.”