A horse has died on Grand National Day at Aintree Racecourse this afternoon.
Elle Est Belle suffered a suspected heart attack on the run to the line in the 2:25pm Betway Mersey Novices' Hurdle on Saturday. The Dan Skelton-trained horse, ridden by Harry Skelton, collapsed when finishing fourth and a green tent was erected around the six-year-old.
It has since been confirmed that Elle Est Belle had to be put down. Captain Conby, ridden by Kevin Sexton, also went down in the race, falling two from home.
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The Eamon Sheehy-trained horse underwent treatment on the course before going back to the stables for further veterinary assessment. The five-year-old, ridden by Kevin Sexton, is reported as being fine and returned home having been checked over.
Three Stripe life ridden by Davy Russell won the race, while Might I finished third and North Lodge was third. There are a further three races before the Grand National at 5:15pm.
It comes after Solwara One died following the 1:45pm race at Aintree on Friday. Professor Chris Proudman, Veterinary Advisor to Aintree Racecourse, said: “Solwara One was pulled up while simply galloping on the flat in the Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle, run on Aintree’s Mildmay Course.
“He was attended to by our veterinary team but after thorough examination it was determined that very sadly he had sustained an unrecoverable injury. The 14 races across two days so far have seen 192 other horses compete without serious incident.”
The RSPCA said: "We are deeply saddened and concerned after the death of Solwara One at the Aintree Grand National Meeting. The death of any horse is always one too many so it is crucial that steps are taken to reduce the risk of such tragedies occurring."
Speaking recently after the Cheltenham Festival, Ian Renton of the Jockey Club, said: "All our team here work absolutely tirelessly to do everything we can for horses and human welfare and that is absolutely paramount in everything we think."
In the last decade, British Racing has invested more than £20m into veterinary activities including research and education. The governing body also has self-imposed and enforced welfare standards which they say exceed national animal welfare legislation.
