Grand National Veterinary Updates Issued for Three Horses After Race Incidents
Multiple horses are being assessed by veterinary teams following Saturday afternoon's demanding Randox Grand National at Aintree Racecourse. The incidents occurred during the challenging four-and-a-quarter-mile race, which also witnessed an earlier equine fatality during the day's racing programme.
Details of the Three Horses Under Assessment
Three specific horses are reportedly undergoing thorough veterinary assessment after failing to complete the world-famous steeplechase. Willie Mullins's Quai De Bourbon fell at the second fence during the early stages of the race, while Sara Bradstock's Mr Vango came down at the sixth obstacle. Both horses were transported back to the stables in horse ambulances for comprehensive evaluation and monitoring.
Top Of The Bill, trained by Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies and ridden by jockey Toby McCain-Mitchell, fell dramatically at the final fence when within sight of the finish line. Although the horse remained on the ground for a brief period following the fall, he was later observed walking back to the stables under supervision.
Official Statement from Aintree Racecourse
A formal statement released by the track confirmed the ongoing assessments: "Top Of The Bill fell at the final fence and was assessed on course by our veterinary team. He was walked back to the stables where he will remain under continuous assessment and observation.
"Quai De Bourbon walked onto the horse ambulance, having been assessed immediately following his fall at the second fence, and has returned to the stables for further veterinary evaluation. Similarly, Mr Vango walked onto the horse ambulance following his fall at the sixth fence, after receiving initial assessment, and has returned to the stables for additional monitoring."
Jockey Hospitalised Following Separate Incident
In a separate development during the race, the Gordon Elliott-trained Stellar Story fell at the 19th fence, resulting in his rider Robbie Dunne being transported to hospital for further medical treatment. Aintree's official statement provided additional details: "Jockey Robbie Dunne was assessed on course by our expert medical team immediately following the incident. He is conscious and talking coherently and is being taken to hospital for comprehensive assessment as a precautionary measure. All remaining horses and riders have been accounted for following the conclusion of the race."
Earlier Equine Fatality and Race Winner
Earlier in the day's racing programme, Get On George was euthanised after sustaining a significant injury on the flat during the William Hill Handicap Hurdle race. This tragic incident occurred prior to the main Grand National event.
Saturday's Grand National was ultimately won by I Am Maximus, with the 2024 champion becoming the first horse to successfully regain his crown since the legendary Red Rum achieved this feat in the 1970s. The victory marks a significant achievement in modern steeplechasing history, though it was somewhat overshadowed by the welfare concerns surrounding the horses that failed to complete the demanding course.
