Racehorse Elle Est Belle has become the second horse to die at this year's Grand National Festival after suffering a suspected heart attack as she ran home fourth in the novices hurdle on Saturday.
The horse, trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Harry Skelton, pulled up sharply in fourth place on the sun-drenched Aintree Racecourse. A green tent was then erected around the six-year-old.
ITV commentator: "I'm afraid to say Elle Est Belle looks to have suffered a heart attack on the run-in. She was pulled up extremely sharply. That's a huge loss. She won a good race here 12 months ago but unfortunately I'm afraid there are distressing scenes in front of the stands."
A later update on ITV Racing said: "Elle Est Belles did have to be put down after sustaining a fatal injury close to the finishing line. So sad for owner Suzanne Lawrence and the Skeltons."
It comes after racehorse Solwara One died following an injury sustained on Ladies Day on Friday.
The 2.25pm novices hurdle race was won by Three Stripe Life. Follow live Grand National updates here.
