David Pipe's Ladbrokes World Hurdle contender Bobby Ewing collapsed and died following a routine gallop on Saturday, the Pond House handler has confirmed.
The seven-year-old had not run since beating Menorah in a novice hurdle at Doncaster in December 2009 but he was on course to make his return from the lengthy lay-off at next month's Cheltenham Festival.
He held entries in both the Stan James Champion Hurdle and Ladbrokes World Hurdle but he suffered a heart attack after his gallops on Saturday morning.
"It is really sad news. He collapsed and died on the gallops this morning," Pipe confirmed.
"I have just spoken to the owners, who had been so patient with him, and everyone is very upset.
"Fortunately his jockey was not hurt but that is the only good news."