Lady Gaga left the Critics Choice awards early to say goodbye to her dying horse

'She is and was a beautiful horse. Our souls and spirits were one.'

It was a night to remember at the Critics Choice awards. There were some worthy winners - The Favourite picked up the award for Best Acting Ensemble, and Crazy Rich Asians won Best Comedy.

One person who finally got recognition for her work in A Star Is Born was Lady Gaga, who missed out on an award at last week's Golden Globes. She picked up the Best Actress awards in a joint win with Glenn Close, and in her acceptance speech she teared up as she told the audience: 'I’m so honoured by this. I went to places in my mind and in my heart that I did not know existed…this is a tremendous honour.

'I feel recognised not just for my performance but for the inner work it took in the creation of this character.'

However, following her amazing achievement she found out that her horse, Arabella, was in a critical condition and she left the ceremony early to say her goodbyes.

She explained what had happened on Twitter, captioning her note: 'Goodbye, my angel.'

In the emotional online statement, she wrote: 'I am so honoured and blessed to have won both Best Song and Best Actress alongside Glenn Close this evening.

'My heart is exploding with pride. But it saddens me to say that just after the show I learned that my dear angel of a horse, Arabella, is dying. I am rushing to her now to say goodbye.

'Her name means ‘yield to a prayer’. She is and was a beautiful horse. Our souls and spirits were one. When she was in pain, so was I.

'I will never forget the moments we shared. Long hikes together, galloping through the canyons. Feeding her cookies.

'She will forever be a part of me. I am so very sad. But I wish for your pain to end, and the gates of heaven to open for you.

'I love you. Girl, where do you think you’re goin?'

Fans rushed to offer their condolences, with one writing: 'Gaga i’m so sorry, we’re here for you. she was so special. rip arabella.'

Another said: 'Thinking about you everything’s gonna be okay, stay strong gaga.'

Our thoughts are with Lady Gaga at this sad time.