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Fergal O'Brien's team experienced the highs and lows of horse racing as the new season began at Cheltenham.

The trainer and his former go-to jockey Paddy Brennan were in the winners enclosure with Leloopa after the Foundation Developments Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle. The 14-1 chance went clear on the run-in under Tom Broughton to give Brennan's ownership syndicate a special moment.

But the day was overshadowed by the loss of fan favourite Third Time Lucki, who was pulled up by jockey Jonathan Burke midway through the £100,000 handicap chase over two miles.

Despite quick attention from the veterinary team, the popular ten-year-old could not be saved.

A tweet from O'Brien's X account read: "This sport continues to give us the highest of highs and lowest of lows Third Time Lucki sustained an irreparable injury this afternoon and we’re all devastated. That’ll do us on here for a while."

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Formerly in the care of Dan Skelton, Third Time Lucki won twice at the track including a Grade Two chase at the November Meeting.

He had 11 victories on his record from 30 appearances, with two recorded at Bangor and Uttoxeter before he lined up at O'Brien's local circuit.

Racing TV host James Millman said: “A sad postscript from the race as Third Time Lucki suffered a fatal injury.

“He was a real favourite here at Cheltenham and it’s very sad news.”

Fans also paid tribute to the son of Arcadio, who made his debut for O'Brien at Cheltenham in November 2024. "Awful news. Condolences to all connections. What a joy of a horse," one posted on X. A second racing enthusiast wrote: "Such awful news, followed him for ages and he was absolutely gorgeous, so sorry for everyone who loved him x"

And a third added: "Condolences to all who knew & loved him. Very sad."