Rider Laura Collett has admitted that she feels "bullied" after she was accused of lying about the circumstances surrounding Kauto Star's death.
The two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner was put down last week at the age of 15 after suffering a fall at Collett's stables in Berkshire.
Collett was away at the time of the incident, but she believes that the horse fell after jumping a fence.
"I feel like I'm being bullied at the moment and it's hurtful," Collett told BBC Sport. "People have been spreading malicious rumours. It's a tragic enough time as it is losing such a star.
"I've stayed quiet. The horse should be remembered for who he was and what he did rather than causing trouble and even more upset."
The racehorse was trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Clive Smith.
