Invictus

INVICTUS will not race again after sustaining a serious injury on his comeback from a 21-month layoff in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday.

The seven-year-old was sent off an 8-1 shot for the famous chase and was in contention until fading from two out to finish 11th of the 21 runners behind Triolo D'Alene.

He was reported late afterwards by one of the racecourse veterinary officers.

Trainer Alan King said on Tuesday: "He broke down pretty badly. It is a serious injury.

"We'll look at him again tomorrow, but it's not looking good.

"I just feel so very sorry for the horse and everyone who has worked so hard to get him back.

"It's such a shame. And obviously I feel desperately sorry for his owners Richard and Lizzie Kelvin-Hughes. They have just had no luck."

Invictus had been a long-time ante-post favourite for the Hennessy despite his lengthy absence. His handicap mark looked highly favourable if he could show the same form as when beating Bobs Worth and Sinviniaco Conti in the 2012 Reynoldstown Chase.

Injury intervened after that race forcing Invictus to miss the whole of last season.