Horse dead and iconic race abandoned after horror fall

One horse has died and another has been seriously injured after a horror fall forced the Perth Cup to be abandoned for the first time in its history.

Jockeys Peter Knuckey and Jordan Turner were lucky to escape injury after the incident, which occurred just after the start of the race.

The mare Chili Is Hot was euthanised, while Dom To Shoot suffered abrasions and was found to be slightly lame in the off-foreleg.

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An investigation has been launched by Perth Racing.

Around 10,000 fans were on hand for the race, which was first run in 1887.

The fall occurred as the field raced down the home straight on the first occasion, and as Chili Is Hot could not be moved, the race had to be abandoned as the remaining riders reached the 800m mark.

"This is one of the hardest events for anyone involved with racing to deal with," said Perth Racing boss James Oldring.

"The welfare of jockeys and horses is always our top priority.

"Our thoughts are with all those connected with Chili Is Hot."

The race has been rescheduled for January 14.

The sport has been under increasing scrutiny in recent years, following a spate of deaths in the Melbourne Cup.

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