A second horse - Eclair Surf - has died after failing to recover from injuries sustained in the Randox Grand National, it was revealed today. He was among the early favourites for the National, but suffered a heavy fall at the third fence in Saturday's race, which was won by Noble Yeats.
Eclair Surf's trainer, Emma Lavelle, announced the devastating news on Twitter on Sunday morning. "We are very sad to report that having sustained a traumatic head injury in yesterday's Grand National, Eclair Surf lost his fight this morning," she said, reports The Mirror.
"He was looked after at the racecourse by a team of first-class vets before being transferred to Liverpool University who treated him all night, however very sadly it was not to be. He was an incredibly special horse, loved by everyone and he will be missed terribly."
Chris Proudman, Veterinary Advisor to Aintree Racecourse, said: "We were sad to learn that Eclair Surf had to be put to sleep this morning. After his fall yesterday he was stabilised on course before walking onto transport back to the stables. Following further veterinary evaluation he was referred to Leahurst Equine Hospital last night. Everything possible will have been done for him and our thoughts are very much with those who loved and cared for him."
Eclair Surf only just sneaked into the race on Thursday and was heavily backed by punters He won the Classic Chase at Warwick in January and was second in the Eider Chase at Newcastle.
On Saturday night, just after 7.30pm, it was confirmed that Discorama had suffered a fatal injury. His heartbroken trainer Paul Nolan tweeted: "We are heartbroken to have lost Discorama today at Aintree. Bryan pulled him up due to injury. Our condolences to his owners Andrew Gemmell and Tom Friel."
About half an hour after the National, the racecourse's preliminary statement said that all horses had returned to the stables although some were being 'assessed'.
Later in the evening, Professor Chris Proudman, Veterinary Advisor to Aintree Racecourse, said: "After the race, Discorama, who had pulled up while travelling on the flat between fences, was assessed further in Aintree's veterinary treatment facility within the stables. Very sadly we determined that he had sustained an untreatable pelvic injury and it has now been necessary to put him to sleep on welfare grounds. Our thoughts are with his connections."
Discorama won two races in his career, at Naas and Fairyhouse. Outside of his home country, he competed in many big races, including last year's Grand National. 50-1 shot Noble Yeats, the winner, was ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen.
