MAHLER MISSION left his owners with their heads in their hands after falling at the second last in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham.
The 13/2 gelding, trained by John McConnell, was leading by six lengths and seemingly cruising to a win ahead of favourite Gaillard du Mesnil when disaster struck.
And watching connections were caught on camera as he misjudged his jump.
Fortunately, Mahler Mission did not sustain any injuries.
And while owner Colm Herron will feel the pain of the loss, it was ecstasy for Gaillard Du Mesnil and owner Mrs J Donnelly as he reeled in Gordon Elliott’s Chemical Energy up the hill to win.
Fans were equally as devastated at the end as they believe Mahler Mission deserved a maiden Cheltenham win.
One spectator said: “Mahler Mission had that win. Sickening ”
Another added: “Your heart breaks for Mahler Mission. I think he would’ve just made it.”
A third said: “He didn’t deserve that, he jumped so well on the way round. Gladly he’s up to fight another day.”
Another commented: “Absolutely sick over Mahler Mission. Sick.”
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Only four of the ten horses finished the face as Mister Coffey was a tailed off third, with Tenzing fourth.
Bellatrixsa and Malinello were fallers, with the later, training by Ben Pauling unfortunately suffering a fatal injury.
A racecourse spokesperson said: “Sadly Malinello sustained an injury in the final race of the day.
“He was attended to by the experienced on-course veterinary team and assessed immediately, but very sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with all his connections.”
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