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 mare trained by John C McConnell was in front and crusining to a win at the time of his fall.
ColorsportMahler Mission (5) was on course for victory when he fell at the second last[/caption]
Twitter @RacingTVThose with connections to Mahler Mission had their heads in their hands[/caption]
And those watching on with a connection to Mahler Mission were left devastated when he misjudged the 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 owners Mrs J Donnelly as he crossed the line first.
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.”
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
Gaillard Du Mesni was the odds-on favourite before the race got underway but required a huge stroke of luck to claim victory.
Mahler Mission was the second favourite after finishing first and second in his other two races this year.