Epsom Derby racegoers distraught after Tears Of A Clown dies in front of main stand

Epsom racegoers were left distraught ahead of the Derby after Tears Of A Clown suffered a fatal injury in front of thousands packed into the main stand.

The shocking incident happened in the Betfred 3YO “DASH” Handicap, one of the fastest races on the Derby Day card that sees runners complete the five furlong downhill course in under 60 seconds.

In a race won by Rossa Ryan and Blue Storm, Tears Of A Clown collapsed in front of the main stand and was tended to first by jockey Trevor Whelan, before veterinary personnel arrived on the scene.

A spokesperson for Epsom Downs Racecourse said: “Tears Of A Clown was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals after our fourth race but sadly passed away. Our heartfelt condolences are with all of her connections.”

The Henry Candy-trained filly was making the fifth start of her career and had made the running in the middle of the pack before fading towards the end of the race, with Whelan pulling her up not long after the furlong pole.

Black sheets were put up around Tears Of A Clown as vets tended to her, but she did not survive.

Images showed racegoers in tears and being consoled after the horrific scenes unfolded in front of the busiest area of the Epsom racecourse.

Fatal injuries are not as common in flat racing as opposed to national hunt, but the incident is the sixth recorded on this season in what has been a difficult year so far.