Horatio Nelson put down after serious leg injury

Ireland’s leading Vodafone Derby hope Horatio Nelson suffered fatal injuries in the closing stages of the race.

Kieren Fallon’s chosen mount was sent off the well-supported 11-2 second-favourite for the blue riband at Epsom.

Concerns about the horse’s soundness had emerged down at the start when Fallon began trotting the colt around under the watchful eye of trainer Aidan O’Brien.

After consultation ith a racecourse vet Horatio Nelson was allowed to take his chance.

He raced in touch with the leaders and was in seventh place with just under two furlongs to go when the horse stumbled and was immediately pulled up by Fallon.

The horse ambulance was quickly in attendance and the horse taken away for examination.

But it later transpired the colt’s injuries were too serious and he was put down.

A Horseracing Regulatory Authority statement said: “Horatio Nelson was examined at the start of the Derby by one of the racecourse veterinary surgeons who consulted Aidan O’Brien, who was present at the start.

“The veterinary surgeon and the trainer agreed that they were satisfied that Horatio Nelson was fit to compete.

“Following the race the horse was taken to the veterinary treatment centre and several X-rays were taken of the injured leg.

“They revealed that Horatio Nelson had suffered fractures of the cannon and sesamoid bones and a dislocation of the fetlock joint.

“Sadly the injuries were considered to be too severe to be repaired and the horse has therefore been euthanized.”