Jair Du Cochet tragedy

LEADING Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Jair Du Cochet has been put down after suffering a tragic injury on the gallops.

The Guillaume Macaire trained seven-year-old claimed the scalp of dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate at Huntingdon in November.

He cemented his big-race claims with success in the Pillar Property Chase at Cheltenham in January to earn his position as second-favourite for next week’s blue riband.