Rachael Blackmore was left in an ambulance after her horse Willy De Houelle suffered a fatal fall at Aintree.
In the second race at Aintree on Thursday, the Grade 1 Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle, Blackmore was involved in a nasty fall, which proved fatal for her ride.
The four-year-old horse, owned by Rich Ricci and trained by Willie Mullins, had a heavy fall, with Blackmore tumbling from the saddle. Naturally Nimble and JJ Slevin also both fell in the race but are thought to be okay.
Following the race, ITV presenter Ed Chamberlain gave an update, saying: “News from the last race, JJ Slevin I’m pleased to say is absolutely fine, likewise Naturally Nimble.
“Rachael Blackmore walked into the ambulance, did look pretty sore doing so. So hopefully she will be okay. News on her horse as soon as we get it.”
(Image: GETTY)
Chamberlain then gave another update a few minutes later, delivering the bad news. He said: “More now on our last race. I’m afraid news has filtered through that Willy De Houelle, I’m afraid, suffered a fatal injury in this race.
“Our thoughts with the Riccis (the owners). We hope Rachael’s okay. And Willie Mullins, that will take the gloss off him winning that contest.”
Chamberlain then gave another update on Blackmore, saying: “Good news from the weighing room Rachel Blackmore is okay – she is a tough cookie.”
Don’t miss a thing with sport updates!
Want to keep up with all of the latest sport news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Off the Ball email newsletter!
From darts, boxing and UFC, to snooker, F1 and golf, get it all in your email inbox.
How do you sign up?
Simply click on this link, then provide your email address and that’s it, job done. You’ll receive an email with all of the top football stories.
You can also sign up for our Daily Star Football email for all the latest transfer news and breaking stories, right here
The following race saw Gaelic Warrior beat Grey Dawning to the post to win the Grade 1 Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase, who is also owned by the Riccis in a bittersweet moment.
Blackmore is set to ride Minella Indo for Henry De Bromhead in the Grand National on Saturday.
The British Horse Racing Authority has a fatality review process for when race horses die. The process sees them gather information from racecourse staff, the jockeys, trainers, trainer’s veterinary surgeon and relevant medication and training records.
That data is then collated, analysed and reviewed by a panel of industry experts. BHA say more than £50million has been invested into advancing equine health, veterinary science and research since the year 2000.