RACING:Noel Meade was dealt a blow yesterday when Champion Hurdle hope Go Native had to be put down after breaking a leg on the gallops.

His fall at Punchestown when challenging winner Hurricane Fly completed a comeback from an injury sustained in the 2011 Champion Hurdle. “We’re all in a state of shock . . . I was stood about 100 yards away from him and . . . heard this almighty crack and he’d . . . broken his leg above the hock,” said Meade.

In addition to the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Go Native was also successful in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle and the Christmas Hurdle.