The racing world is mourning the loss of former Grade One winner Bleu Et Rouge, who died in Saturday's Fighting Fifth Hurdle, when suffering a fatal shoulder injury.
The news overshadowed what was an outstanding weekend for JP McManus, who won the Newcastle highlight with his other runner in the race - dual Champion Hurdler Buveur D'Air.
It was Bleu Et Rouge's first start for a new stable, having switched from Willie Mullins to Ben Haslam.
The 7yo enjoyed much success for the Irish Champion Trainer, with the pick of his three career wins coming in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle back in 2016.
He also ran a British career best when finishing second to Kalashnikov in the Betfair Hurdle earlier this year, and his former trainer led the tributes.
(Credit: Racing Post) Mullins said: "It was sad to see what happened to him. When we had him we thought he was a very good horse and even though he won a Grade 1 over hurdles for us he never really maximised his potential or showed the huge ability he displayed at home."
Bleu Et Rouge was also Ben Haslam's first runner in a Grade 1 event, who admitted after the race, that it was a real blow for the yard.
(Credit: Racing Post) Haslam said: "He was an absolute gent of a horse, we hadn't had him that long but my wife Alice rode him every day, she really got on with him and was absolutely devastated.
"I'm just as sorry for the lads at Willie Mullins' who will have known him for longer and will be upset. It obviously marred a very good day for JP McManus," he finished.
McManus - owner of the infamous green and gold hoops, landed a hat-trick in the North East, with Style De Vole and Champagne Platinum justifying favouritism in their respective outings.