Grand National Fallers Receive Positive Health Updates After Aintree Incidents
An encouraging update has been issued regarding the condition of Grand National runner Quai De Bourbon, who fell at the second fence during Saturday's flagship race at Aintree. The seven-year-old, trained by renowned Irish handler Willie Mullins, is now reported to be "home safe and doing well" following veterinary treatment after his tumble.
Quai De Bourbon's Recovery Progress
After receiving immediate on-course attention, Quai De Bourbon was scheduled to travel home overnight. ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin confirmed the horse walked into a horse ambulance for additional checks at the stables before undergoing expert veterinary examination. Sky Sports Racing presenter Kate Tracey subsequently shared footage on Monday, filmed by the horse's groom, showing him cantering about and appearing fit, confirming his good health status.
Mr Vango's Neck Fracture and Hospital Stay
Meanwhile, fellow faller Mr Vango, who fell at the sixth fence, remains in an equine hospital after suffering an avulsion fracture in the neck. Trainer Sara Bradstock issued a statement on Sunday morning expressing optimism about his recovery prospects, though cautioning that the process "could take a while."
"We're still at the equine hospital, he does have a small avulsion fracture in neck, but it is nowhere near the vertebrae of his neck," Bradstock told the Press Association. "We have to thank God and hopefully with a bit of a following wind he will make a full recovery."
The gelding was moved to Leahurst Equine Hospital on Saturday evening and will remain there until receiving a clean bill of health. Bradstock confirmed he will undergo a CT scan before potentially returning home by mid-week, noting that "there's every chance he will be back next season" despite the injury.
Top Of The Bill Reported 'A1' After Final Fence Fall
The third horse to fall during the Grand National, Top Of The Bill trained by Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, was assessed on course after falling at the final fence. The incident resulted in jockey Toby McCain-Mitchell – grandson of Red Rum's trainer Ginger McCain – receiving a 10-day ban from stewards for failing to pull up after the horse had fallen well behind the field.
However, the horse's condition has been positively reported by his training yard, with Willy Twiston-Davis stating: "Top Of The Bill is home and has trotted up sound this morning and his heart rate is back to normal, so all is fine. He's absolutely A1." The yard also confirmed that their other runner Beauport, who unseated rider Sam Twiston-Davies during the race, is similarly in good health.
Bradstock remains hopeful about Mr Vango's racing future, adding: "He's happy, he's moving his neck and the vets are quite happy with him at the moment. The CT will tell us if there is anything more sinister we haven't found. But as things stand he could be back next year." She emphasized that regardless of outcome, "he will be well looked after" and could potentially retire to live with fellow chaser Coneygree.
