There was a devastating second last fence fatality in the Maurice Power Solicitors Hurdle at Limerick, on Sunday afternoon, where Grade One winner and Triumph Hurdle Runner-up Mega Fortune suffered a horrible fall, which he never stood a chance of surviving though credit to the veterinary team as they did everything they possibly could.

Trained in Co. Meath by handler Gordon Elliott the 1/7 favourite Mega Fortune was on the way to an easy success and his untimely fall left the way clear for Balakani (8/1) to come home eased down and well clear of the only other starter.

Winning trainer Mouse Morris stated: “That’s racing, unfortunately, and I had plenty of it (bad luck) myself last year, it’s just very unfortunate under the circumstances that Gordon has lost the decent Mega Fortune”.

Mega Fortune was triumph in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown in February, before finding only Defi Du Seuil too good at Cheltenham festival in March.

We offer our deepest condolences to trainer Gordon Elliott and all the connections of the horse who unquestionable would have went all the way to the top of the National hunt game, as he had talent in abundance.