It is one of the world's most iconic sporting events and watched by millions each year. But while the Grand National is an opportunity for racing fans to dress up, watch some scintillating action and maybe even win some money, there is a dark and sad side to the steeplechase, with many horses losing their lives at Aintree over the years.
Three horses have died during the three-day racing festival this year.
There are 13 vets on site and they were, unfortunately, called into action during the showpiece Grand National race. A green screen was erected around a horse named Hill Sixteen at the first fence. Hill Sixteen had a bad fall early and was immediately seen to by the vets, with the horses having to run around the fence where the 10-year-old was being treated.
After the race, which was won by Corach Rambler, it was confirmed that Hill Sixteen did in fact die. Two other horses in the race, Recite a Prayer and Cape Gentleman, were also injured and were assessed on the course before being taken on to the horse ambulance for further medical assessments.
Earlier on in the day, Dark Raven fell during the Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle in the third race of the day.
That followed the death of Envoye Special, who was put down on Thursday after unseating jockey James King, running loose and falling on the Grand National course during the Foxhunters’ Chase on Thursday. Nine-year-old Envoye Special was running for the first time at Aintree and was trained by Keiran Burke.
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Since the first Grand National in 1839, 89 horses have now died during the race itself, with nearly half of these deaths taking place between 2000 and 2012. At Aintree alone, 62 horses have died since 2000. Four died last year with two of those injured in the Grand National showcase event, leading to animal rights groups calling for tighter safety measures to be put in place.
Animal Aid - an animal rights organisation that campaigns against animal abuse - estimate that 3,000 horses have been killed in jump races alone since the year 2001.
Emma Judd, head of campaigns and communications at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “The death of Hill Sixteen today at today’s Randox Grand National reflects its shocking safety record – 16 horses have now died in the race since the year 2000. It cannot be more apparent that it is time for change and for the introduction of tighter safety measures in the Grand National, at the Aintree racecourse and at racecourses across the UK.”
Over the past decade, British Racing has invested more than £20million into veterinary activities including research and education, according to the Echo.
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