JOINT owner Colin Francis says Theatre Queen, who died following a fall at the Cheltenham Festival, had so much more to achieve in the sport.

The eight-year-old had to be put down after breaking her back during the Toby Balding National Hunt Chase at Prestbury Park.

It was only the sixth race under Rules for the mare, owned by a Fernhill Heath-based syndicate including Francis, 12 months after making the switch from point-to-point racing.

“We had great plans for her. She was going to go for the Irish Grand National and Whitbread Gold Cup,” Francis said.

“It’s a shame she didn’t show her true potential because she was top class. Unfortunately, the dream is over.”

Theatre Queen fell early during Tuesday’s penultimate race and was treated on the track before being transferred to an equine ambulance. Francis, who was then involved in a minor car accident on his way back from the course, said: “There is a cheer when a horse gets up. I was waiting for it but it didn’t happen.”

The businessman also paid tribute to Theatre Queen’s fanbase, as well as Gloucester trainer and jockey Mark Wall, who was unhurt while bidding for his 200th win as a jockey.

“I want to thank all the people who followed her because she had a fantastic following in Worcester,” Francis said.

“Mark did fantastically for us. He packed his job up to turn professional to look after our horse, going from running £100 point-to-point races to £50,000 races. I just hope some of the top trainers and owners send him horses.”

There have been plenty of messages of support sent both to the consortium personally and online, but the tragedy has also sparked criticism from those opposed to the sport.

Keith Riley, who posted on the Worcester News Facebook page, claimed racing was “barbaric”.

Jennie Richards said: “This is why I hate racing, putting animals and particularly horses, who are just amazing, in danger for our entertainment.”

Paula Fancini-Hooper posted: “I don’t understand why we use animals for entertainment.

“I’m sure the owners are devastated but they are also the reason the horse was racing in the first place.”

But Francis hit back, saying: “She loved her racing, has done all of Worcester proud and I want to thank everyone that has sent us messages.”

Monnerandproud!, on the Worcester News website, wrote: “All this talk of her not being in love with the game is nonsense.

“Watch her run at Doncaster where she ran her heart out after misbehaving at the start and finished a creditable fourth.

“Falls are part and parcel of the National Hunt game and it’s just unfortunate she wasn’t able to get up from this one.

“Rest in peace Theatre Queen and thank you for the memories.”

On Facebook, Emma White added: “It’s not barbaric. Horses are born to run at speed — there are regulations in place to ensure the horses are treated well. Accidents happen in all sports.”

Meanwhile, Grand National winner Pineau De Re, trained by Claines-based Dr Richard Newland, is a 25-1 hope in the 2.05pm Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham today.