Katarino's Cheltenham prospects lay in tatters yesterday after the horse finished last of four in the Bonusprint National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell.

The defeat of the 8 to 11 favourite, seeking to stake his claim for a place in the Champion Hurdle, left trainer Nicky Henderson "shattered".

In one of the shocks of the season, victory went to the 25 to 1 outsider of four Male-Ana-Mou.

Katarino had appeared to be travelling comfortably under Mick Fitzgerald and looked poised for victory leaving the back straight, but the wheels came off in spectacular fashion up the home straight.

Henderson was unable to account for the performance, although a subsequent veterinary examination revealed that Katarino had suffered a hoof injury and was found to be in a "fairly distressed" condition after returning to the racecourse stables.

In the immediate aftermath Henderson appeared crestfallen.

He said: "I'm afraid I can't tell you anything at the moment. Shattered would be the word. He'd been in very good form. He'd done everything right and one would have even said one was fairly confident that he was very much back to himself. But obviously he isn't."