the second time at Cheltenham when he was one of nine runners for the Champion Hurdle. In a strong field (all nine had won at Grade I level) he was the fourth choice in the betting behind Hurricane Fly, My Tent Or Yours and The New One. Our Conor went to the front from the start and disputed the lead with the pacemaker over the first two hurdles. At the third he fell heavily, sustaining a serious injury to his back. He was attended by veterinary surgeons for several minutes, but his injury was too severe to be treated and he was euthanised. His death drew criticism from the animal rights organisation, Animal Aid which described the Cheltenham course as "the most lethal in the country"; claims which are completely unfounded and have never been proven by any animal-welfare or horse-racing body. Pedigree References 2009 racehorse births 2014 racehorse deaths Racehorses bred in Ireland Racehorses trained in Ireland Cheltenham Festival winners Thoroughbred family 1-k Horses who died from racing injuries