BARBURY Castle-based trainer Alan King has been dealt a devastating blow today after Balder Succes was put down.

The horse was being ridden by Swindon jockey Wayne Hutchinson in the Melling Chase when it fell at the third fence.

The horse was transeferred to the Leahurst Equine Hospital but wa sput down this morning due to the injuries suffered from the fall.

"We lost him this morning. He damaged his right shoulder and it was irreparable," said King

"It is devastating for everyone and a hell of a blow as horses as good as him don't come along very often."

Hutchinson has ridden the seven-year-old horse in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham earlier this year, finishing well down the field in seventh. 

After winning a Listed prize at Kempton in January, Balder Succes clinched Grade One honours in the Ascot Chase a month later.

In total Balder Succes won 12 of his 30 races and earned £353,045 in prize-money.