Fayonagh, last season's brilliant Champion Bumper winner, suffered a fatal injury on the gallops on Wednesday morning.

The mare was doing a warm-up canter on the gallops before work when she broke a hindleg.

Elliott told his Betfair column: "I'm devastated to announce that Fayonagh broke a hind leg this morning while doing a routine piece of work under Davy Russell at Skryne gallops and had to be put-down.

"As a dual Grade 1-winning mare she was an exceptional talent and the sky was the limit with her.

"Needless to say, we are all heartbroken and our thoughts are with the connections at this time."

Fayonagh gets a pat from trainer Gordon Elliott after her easy win at Fairyhouse

A six-year-old daughter of Kalanisi, Fayonagh won four bumpers from five attempts and followed up her Grade 1 Cheltenham success by landing the Grade 1 Racing Post Champion Bumper at the Punchestown festival in April.

She was a top-priced 3/1 for the mares' novice hurdle at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival after making an impressive winning debut over hurdles at Fairyhouse.

Fayonagh

6yo b m Form: 81111-1

Sire: Kalanisi Dam: Fair Ina

Trainer: Gordon Elliott

Previous trainer: Richard Rath

Owner: Mrs Maura Gittins

Breeder: John Bowe

Fayonagh and Davy Russell jump the last to win the Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle in October. (Photo HEALY RACING)

Fayonagh ridden by Jamie Codd winning The Racing Post Champion INH Flat Race Punchestown Wed 26 April 2017 Picture: Caroline Norris

Fayonagh and Jamie Codd winning the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham

Photo HEALY RACING.

Fayonagh and Jamie Codd win the Coolmore Champs ELysees EBF Mares Flat Race at Fairyhouse

Fayonagh and J J Slevin make a winning debut at Naas

Photo Carolinenorris.ie