A horse died following a race at the Grand National on Ladies Day.
Solwara One died following the 1.45 race on Friday at Aintree. The horse was being ridden by Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies. Racehorse trainer for Solwara One Neil Mulholland confirmed the news on Friday after someone asked how the horse was.
Mr Mulholland said on Twitter: "Thank you for asking, unfortunately we lost Solwara One today due to an injury, very sad." Animal welfare charity the RSPCA expressed its concern following the death.
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."
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 British Horseracing Authority were approached for comment. 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.
