COLIN Tizzard's Cue Card fell at the third from home in the Cheltenham Gold Cup this afternoon.

The Sherborne handler's charge was just working his way into the race and was even possibly just a nostril in front when he failed to take off at all, breasted the fence and came down.

Winner of the Betfair Chase at Haydock and the King George, Cue Card was in line for a £1million windfall if he could bring up the big-race hat-trick.

Don Cossack, the 9-4 favourite, was followed home by Djakadam and Don Poli, both trained by Willie Mullins, who is still seeking his first Gold Cup win.
However, the race changed dramatically when Cue Card fell at the third-last fence when in with every chance.

Don Cossack was left to stride away and claim victory by four and a half lengths from Rich Ricci's Djakadam (9-2), who was runner-up for the second year running.

Tizzard reported Cue Card to be none the worse for his fall and was philosophical about losing out on a possible £1million bonus.
He said: "He's absolutely fine. He walked back in without a care in the world. That's racing.

"Going flat out in the Gold Cup, it brings mistakes. He unseated in a novice chase here a few years ago (2011) but has not looked like falling since.

"The main thing is the horse got up and walked back."