Detroit City's fatal fall ends sad week

Richard Johnson's mount, back after seven months off the track, made a slight error at the first in the Ascot Hurdle, then came crashing down at the second.

Scroll down to read more:

The classy five-year-old's trainer, Philip Hobbs, said: "It's very sad, especially for his owner Terry Warner, who had been known as a lucky owner but has had his share of bad news."

Only last Saturday champion trainer Paul Nicholls lost two of his stars, the brilliant Granit Jack and the promising novice Willyanwoody, in horrific falls at Cheltenham.

The deaths, witnessed by millions on TV, made uncomfortable viewing and gave more ammunition to the critics who claim greater safety measures are required in the sport.

Detroit City, the superstar of the Hobbs stable, had been off since April and was entered at Ascot as part of his preparations for a tilt at next year's Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

He had been a costly flop in last March's Champion Hurdle when he trailed in a disappointing sixth having gone off 6-4 favourite.

He then finished last in a race at Aintree before taking the summer off for work on his back and breathing.

But those were rare defeats for the grey who had previously won eight races in a row, including the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle as well as the Cesarewitch on the Flat.