Three-time Cheltenham winner Sire Du Berlais suffers fatal injury at Punchestown... with trainer Gordon Elliott 'absolutely heartbroken' following death of 'horse of a lifetime'

Trainer Gordon Ellioitt was left 'absolutely heartbroken' following the death of three-time Cheltenham winner Sire Du Berlais from a fatal injury.

The 12-year-old pulled up three hurdles from the end of the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown on Thursday.

Among his three Cheltenham victories was the 2023 Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle.

Sire Du Berlais also twice claimed Aintree's top flight Liverpool Hurdle.

An emotional Elliott paid tribute to the JP McManus-owned horse following the race.

He told RacingTV: 'It's absolutely heartbreaking.

'He's been a horse of a lifetime for us at Cullentra and everyone is in bits over it.

'He's been unbelievable for us and we're all gutted.

'Our thoughts are with JP and the McManus family. It takes the gloss off the whole week.

'He always wore his heart on his sleeve and was great.'