A steeplechase event was abandoned mid-race at Sandown on Wednesday after a horse crashed through an obstacle and had to be euthanised.

The race was called off as the field approached the home straight because Show Dancer, which came to grief at a fence early in the race, lay stricken on the turf.

These two images show Show Dancer crashing through the steeple jump at Sandown. Credit:Getty Images

Show Dancer's hind legs appeared to slip as he readied himself to take off for the jump, sending him through the fence, flipping and throwing his rider.

Show Dancer, the winner of three races, was euthanised.