Backspin dead

The very useful novice hurdler Backspin has sadly died after suffering a suspected heart attack on Tuesday night.

The Jonjo O'Neill-trained six-year-old had romped to an eight-length victory in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury over Christmas and was fourth behind Bobs Worth in a good race at Cheltenham last time out.

He had been on course to run at the Cheltenham Festival and was entered for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.

O'Neill told the Racing Post: "Unfortunately, Backspin dropped dead in his box overnight and I thought I should let everyone know with Cheltenham only days away.

"We think it was probably a heart attack but obviously that is only a guess until the post mortem has been carried out."