Wichita Lineman put down after Irish National

Cheltenham Festival winner Wichita Lineman was put down on Monday (13 April) after a fall during the Irish Grand National.

The racehorse, who won the William Hill Trophy at Cheltenham last month, fell at the first during the race at Fairyhouse.

It is so far unknown what exactly happened to Wichita Lineman, who was ridden by AP McCoy. Wichita Lineman won nine of his 18 starts.

Wichita Lineman’s death is the second blow for racehorse trainer Jonjo O’Neill in under two weeks. On 2 April he lost Exotic Dancer, who suffered a fatal heart attack after the totesport Bowl at Aintree.

The two horses were described by O’Neill as “two of the best a trainer could have”.

The Tony Martin-trained Drumconvis was also put down during the race after breaking a shoulder at the 12th fence.

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