One of the leading fancies for the Stan James Champion Hurdle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival, Our Conor, has been put down after suffering a fatal fall in the race.

The five-year-old fell six from home under Danny Mullins in the fourth race of the day at Cheltenham, suffering a serious back injury.

Vets treated Our Conor on the course and initial reports were that painkillers had helped the Dessie Hughes-trained horse. However, he was then humanely put down because of the back problem.

The British Horseracing Authority confirmed the death, tweeting: "Sad to confirm that Our Conor after extensive treatment by veterinary surgeons was humanely put down due to a suspected serious back injury."

Jezki went on to win the first day's feature race.