Millions of spectators worldwide watched as the legendary Grand National Festival unfolded at Aintree in another electrifying instalment of the globe’s most celebrated horse race.
All 34 runners exploded from the standing start at 4pm, completing two circuits of the Merseyside track – covering a punishing four miles and two and a half furlongs while navigating 30 obstacles. The 178th staging of the famous steeplechase was captured by favourite I Am Maximus, partnered by Paul Townend.
Three horses suffered injuries during the contest and were evaluated by veterinary personnel, Aintree confirmed. Quai De Bourbon, Mr Vango and Top Of The Bill all encountered trouble on the circuit. A statement from the racecourse revealed: “Top Of The Bill fell at the final fence and was assessed on course. He was walked back to the stables where he will remain under assessment.
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“Quai De Bourbon walked onto the horse ambulance, having been assessed, following his fall at the second fence and has returned to the stables for further assessment. Mr Vango walked onto the horse ambulance following his fall at the sixth fence, having been assessed, and has returned to the stables for further assessment.”
Regrettably, two horses lost their lives during the three-day Grand National Festival. Animal charity PETA stated in an online post: “The owners of horses made to run in the Grand National often claim that they love these animals. But since they’re willing to subject them to the abuse and suffering described above, it’s clear that what they truly love is money and glory.”
On Saturday, Get On George was euthanised after pulling up in the day’s second race. Jockey Jack Tudor swiftly dismounted on course, and following an assessment at Aintree, the heart-wrenching decision was taken to put down the six-year-old. On Friday, Gold Dancer suffered a fatal injury while winning the William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree, reports the Mirror.
The Willie Mullins-trained seven year old sustained a severe back injury during the race and was subsequently euthanised by the on-course veterinary team. Eddie O’Leary of Gigginstown House Stud said after the race: “Unfortunately he broke his back and they put him down.
“Paul said he made one mistake and he felt nothing and he kept going to the line no problem. It was just when he pulled up, unfortunately.
“It was an unbelievable performance, he jumped brilliantly bar one little mistake. It’s a hollow victory now, the poor horse didn’t deserve that.”
The Jockey Club – organisers of the Grand National Festival – asserts it works relentlessly to minimise risks at its events, adding that the industry has invested £63m in equine welfare since 2000.
The organisation asserts that the racing industry frequently liaises with recognised welfare bodies such as World Horse Welfare, RSPCA and Blue Cross to ensure it consistently maintains the highest standards.
Prior to the 2024 Grand National, a raft of changes were unveiled in an effort to decrease the number of fallers and injuries. These encompassed: