Trainer Evan Williams has been dealt a major blow following the death of stable star Silver Streak.
The eight-year-old, who enjoyed his crowning glory when winning last year's Christmas Hurdle at Kempton after a string of good efforts at the highest level, was being prepared to defend his title on Boxing Day.
He finished third in the 2019 Champion Hurdle to Espoir D'Allen and also won the Welsh Champion Hurdle in 2018, as well as finishing placed in numerous other big races.
Williams revealed the news on Twitter where he said: "Sad day Silver Streak suffered a fatal injury today. Thanks for the memories."
Silver Streak ran 29 times over hurdles, winning eight races and finishing second eight times also, earning almost £500,000 for his owner, Les Fell.
He was ridden in the majority of those by Adam Wedge who tweeted: "Thank you for some fantastic memories that I will never forget! RIP Big man. One in a million."
Fellow rider Daryl Jacob, who faced Silver Streak on multiple occasions, including a number a great battles with Sceau Royal, said: "Gutted for Evan Williams and Adam Wedge. What a brave horse Silver Streak was. Sceau Royal will miss him dearly."