Fry devastated after star Neon Wolf put down following tendon injury

Neon Wolf, runner-up in the Neptune Novices' Hurdle at last season's Cheltenham Festival and the rising star of Harry Fry's yard, met with a fatal injury at the weekend.

In what was described as a "freak accident", the six-year-old suffered a tendon injury and could not be saved.

Beaten a head by Willoughby Court after being sent off favourite at Cheltenham, Neon Wolf was as short as 12-1 for the Arkle and 16-1 for the RSA at next year's festival. He was a 20-1 chance for the Champion Hurdle.

Fry said: "We are deeply saddened to report the loss of the brilliantly talented Neon Wolf over the weekend following a freak accident in his stable.

"He had the potential to go right to the top and it is hard to come to terms with the fact that he has gone."

Prior to his run at the Cheltenham Festival the son of Vinnie Roe was unbeaten over hurdles for Fry, with three wins including a Grade 2 at Haydock, all under Noel Fehily.

Fry said Neon Wolf had suffered a laceration of his right hind deep digital flexor tendon.

He added: "It is a dreadful blow to his owners the Masterson family and all of the team here at Seaborough. We all shared such high hopes and dreams for Neon Wolf, who came tantalisingly close to success at this year's Cheltenham Festival in the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle.

"A big, imposing fluent jumper who started his career in an Irish point-to-point, he was a horse who had everything you look for in a top-class racehorse. Very sadly he will not now get the chance to fulfil the promise he had shown us. He will be irreplaceable."

Neon Wolf was as short as 12-1 for the Arkle and 16-1 for the RSA. He was a 20-1 chance for the Champion Hurdle.