Millions of viewers across the globe tuned in as the iconic Grand National Festival took place at Aintree in another thrilling edition of the world-famous horse race.
All 34 horses burst from the standing start at 4pm, completing two laps of the Merseyside course – covering a gruelling four miles and two and a half furlongs while tackling 30 fences. The 178th running of the legendary steeplechase was claimed by favourite I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend.
Three horses sustained injuries during the race and are currently being assessed by veterinary staff, Aintree confirmed. Quai De Bourbon, Mr Vango and Top Of The Bill all came to grief on the course. A statement from the racecourse read: “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.
READ MORE: Who will give Rory McIlroy the Green Jacket if he wins after awkward Scottie Scheffler momentREAD MORE: Grand National fans convinced they’ve found winner of ‘biggest ever’ £100,000 bet
“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”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Sadly, two horses lost their lives during the course of the three-day Grand National Festival. Animal charity PETA said 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 put down after pulling up in the day’s second race. Jockey Jack Tudor quickly dismounted on course, and following an assessment at Aintree, the heartbreaking decision was taken to euthanise the six year old. On Friday, Gold Dancer suffered a fatal injury while winning the William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree.
The Willie Mullins-trained seven year old sustained a serious back injury during the race and was subsequently put down 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 – states it works tirelessly to minimise risks at its events, adding that the industry has invested £63m in equine welfare since 2000.
The organisation says the racing industry regularly consults with established welfare bodies such as World Horse Welfare, RSPCA and Blue Cross to ensure it consistently upholds the highest standards.
Ahead of the 2024 Grand National, a series of changes were announced in a bid to reduce the number of fallers and injuries. These included:
- Moving the start time to 4pm and cutting the field from 40 to 34 horses
- Repositioning the first fence 60 yards closer to the start, so runners approach it at a reduced speed
- Lowering the height of the 11th fence by two inches to 4ft 10ins The top six finishers in this year’s Grand National, including the victor
READ MORE: Updates issued on Top Of The Bill and Quai De Bourbon after Grand National falls
