Good Friday marathon favourite Antiquarium fatally injured

Last year's Northumberland Plate winner Antiquarium has had to be put down after fracturing a leg during routine exercise at the weekend.

Charlie Appleby's stayer had been 5-2 favourite with sponsor Betway for the All-Weather Marathon Final at Lingfield on April 14.

Winner of five of his 13 races, Antiquarium enjoyed his finest hour when overcoming Seamour in the 'Pitmen's Derby' at Newcastle last June.

The son of New Approach had since made a successful return to action when winning a qualifier for the marathon series at Wolverhampton in January.

Appleby said: "Unfortunately, Antiquarium suffered a serious leg fracture at the weekend and was unable to be saved.

"It's a great shame as he was something of a yard favourite at Moulton Paddocks, especially after his game victory in the Northumberland Plate."