Nick Dundee operation today

Nick Dundee, the Irish chaser who seriously damaged a hind-leg at Cheltenham last week, faces a critical life-saving operation in Lambourn today.

A specialist veterinary surgeon will fly in from Kentucky this morning to carry out the operation at the Valley Equine Hospital in Lambourn, the centre where Nick Dundee was taken hours after his fall in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase.

The gelding's trainer, Edward O'Grady, yesterday ruled out any possibility of Nick Dundee ever racing again and said: "I think we are looking at an operation to help him have a comfortable retirement. I would presume it would include some immobilisation of the fetlock and pastern joint but there is going to be grave danger when the horse comes out of the anaesthetic. I have no doubts as to what danger there is."

A spokesman for the Valley Hospital said: "Paul Thorpe is flying in from Kentucky and we will put our heads together in the morning. Without stabilising the injury, the horse is likely to re-injure the fetlock at some stage.

"There is an increased risk following anaesthesia but we do deal with these recoveries from time to time and they usually pull through. All precautions will be taken."

O'Grady and his staff will be anxiously awaiting news from Lambourn today. "It has been terrible for everyone. I can't describe it but we have had fantastic support from owners and friends," O'Grady said.