London - A rogue killer cucumber is the prime suspect behind the sudden tragic death of Murphy, an army parade horse.
The beast was taking part in a Royal Gun Salute when it tripped over a 'mystery object' in London's Hyde Park.
Within seconds a gun wagon ran it over in what's been called a classic cucumber caper cover-up.
The 12 year-old gelding was hurriedly put down with a humane 'free bullet' in the forehead as soldiers scrambled to find the rogue killer veg.
News of Murphy's RIP sent worried punters frantic amid claims
the Cucumber Day - er...Coronation Day! - 'omen' had done for the Queen's Derby contender Carlton House.
The 2/1 Epsom favorite has only just rallied after Monday's training setback when injuring his foot on cucumber slime at Newmarket's gallops.
A spoiler campaign by fans of Irish Ballybollox Stud entrants has seen Carlton House rubbished in cyberspace.
One tipping website has even pointed out that a rearrangement of the horse's name comes up with Pleb's Pet Rat.
"The entire Derby race is now jinxed," online spread betting site Aintgottaprayer.con sources said today.
"I wouldn't go betting on Carlton House with all this cucumber paranoia around."
