Grand National jockey banned after failing to tug up drained horse earlier than heavy fall
A Grand National jockey has been handed a ten-day suspension after he failed to pull up an exhausted horse before it tumbled at the final fence of the prestigious race on Saturday.
Toby McCain-Mitchell, grandson of legendary Red Rum trainer Ginger McCain, was making his maiden appearance in the contest. For good luck, the 24-year-old carried a strand of three-time race victor Red Rum’s hair in his gloves.
His mount Top Of The Bill, trained by father and son Nigel and Willie Twiston-Davies, was a 50-1 outsider for the Aintree showpiece having secured a victory and a runner-up finish in his three outings under his young rider this season.
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He was positioned amongst the frontrunners during the opening half of the contest, maintaining second place jumping the Chair before taking the lead at the 20th of the 30 fences.
Nevertheless, he made an error at the 25th obstacle, Valentines, on the second circuit, from where he started to steadily drop back through the pack and was completely out of contention by the time he tumbled at the final fence.
The Aintree stewards conducted an inquiry to determine whether McCain-Mitchell should have pulled up Top Of The Bill “having been in a prominent position before weakening rapidly”
The report stated: “The rider and the Veterinary Officer were interviewed and recordings of the incident were viewed. Having considered the evidence, McCain-Mitchell was suspended for 10 days for failing to pull up when the horse had tailed off.”
Top Of The Bill was amongst three horses to need veterinary attention. He was examined on the course by the Aintree team and was led back to the stables for additional observation.
Two other fallers, Quai De Bourbon and Mr Vango were transported by horse ambulance back to the stables to be evaluated by vets. All remaining horses were accounted for.
