The renowned horse steeplechase Grand National near Liverpool has again claimed two lives. The safety precautions have already been tightened.
The Grand National is the most famous horse steeplechase race in the world and a major social event in the UK. The winner can win 1.2 million euros. However, the course of the obstacle race also has its dangers: horses and riders have to overcome 30 obstacles over a distance of 7.2 kilometers. Accidents – and fatalities – happen all the time.
Two horses have died after this year’s Grand National, the Guardian reports. The nine-year-old horse Discorama, ridden by Paul Nolan, fell between the 12th and 13th obstacles. At first it was said that all the animals had returned to their stables, but the all-clear was soon followed by the sad news: Discorama had to be put to sleep after the race due to the serious injuries.
Grand National: 40 horses entered, two fatalities
A day after the race, another death was added. The horse Eclair Surf, eight years old, also had to be put down. The gelding suffered a serious head injury on an obstacle. Doctors at a veterinary clinic in Liverpool treated him throughout the night but were unable to save his life, Eclair Surf trainer Emma Lavelle said via Twitter.
The race is hugely popular in the UK and watched by millions on TV, but has been criticized for the high number of falls. Since 2019, every Grand National has claimed at least one fatality among the 40 horses entered. Before that, between 2013 and 2018, there had been six consecutive races without a fatal crash. However, this year’s Grand National is the first since 2011 in which two horses have died. The safety precautions have already been strengthened in recent years and the structure of the obstacles changed.
William and Kate’s friend wins
Surprisingly, Sam Waley-Cohen and his gelding Noble Yeats won this year at the traditional Aintree racecourse. The 39-year-old celebrated his greatest success as a jockey in the last race of his career. Prince William and Duchess Kate also congratulated him on his success on social media: Waley-Cohen is considered a good friend of the royal couple.
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Source: Stern
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