KAUTO STAR, the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, has been put down after fracturing his pelvis in a fall.

The gelding won 23 of his 41 races for trainer Paul Nicholls, including five King George VI Chases at Kempton.

The 15-year-old was switched to dressage after retiring from racing in 2012 and gave a demonstration at last December’s Horse of the Year Show at Olympia.

His rider, the former Wiltshire based Laura Collett, said: "Devastated to announce Kauto Star sustained injury in the field and with his best interest at heart a decision was made to put him to sleep."

Owner Clive Smith told the Racing Post: "I am devastated. He had been turned out in Laura's paddock, as has been done normally with him at this time for years, and he looks to have jumped something, and stumbled, we're not really sure, but he injured himself - and it became obvious it was serious.

"The vets made him comfortable but it became evident that it was serious, and the kindest thing was to euthanise him. It was a horrible moment. He was such a wonderful horse, but he did not suffer."