Champion Hurdle contender Darlan suffers fatal fall

National Hunt racing was saddened today (Monday 4 February) when Darlan — one of the favourites for next month’s Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival — suffered a fatal fall.

Darlan, who was trained by Nicky Henderson, was running in the 32Red Hurdle at Doncaster, a trial for the Cheltenham race, when he fell at the last.

The six-year-old, who was owned by JP McManus, reportedly died instantly, breaking his neck.

He had won six times from eight starts. His last win was on Boxing Day in the Grade One Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park.

Jockey AP McCoy was uninjured in the fall but gave up his remaining rides of the day.

The race was won by last year’s Champion Hurdle victor, Rock On Ruby.

Camilla Henderson, daughter of Nicky, tweeted: “Such a sad day for everyone at Seven Barrows and the McManus family. Truly gutting, heart wrenched, words cannot describe this sad loss.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now