A fourth horse has died after failing to recover from injuries sustained at the Grand National. Eclair Surf suffered a heavy fall at the third fence in Saturday’s race.
His trainer Emma Lavelle announced the 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.
“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, told The Mirror : “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.”
On Saturday night, just after 7.30pm, it was confirmed that Discorama had suffered a fatal injury in the event. 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 & Tom Friel."
Two other horses died earlier in the festival. Solwara One, who featured in the 1.45pm race on Friday, was the first fatality before Elle Est Belle suffered a suspected heart attack when finishing fourth in the Betway Mersey Novices' Hurdle on Saturday before the main event.
Since 2000, 16 horses have died at the meeting, according to the Manchester Evening News. The Long Mile had to be put down after suffering a fatal injury during the 2021 Grand National, with Up For Review also losing his life at the Aintree racecourse two years earlier. Changes to the course were introduced in 2012 and there were no fatalities between 2013 and 2018, but that has now increased to five in the last three runnings of the festival (2020 was cancelled due to Covid-19).
The changes that were introduced included the adapting and rebuilding of fences, facilities and stables, while new approaches and bypass areas to the fences have been added to improve safety for the horses.
However, following the death of Solwara One - trained by Neil Mulholland - a spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "We are deeply saddened and concerned after the death of Solwara One at the Aintree Grand National Meeting. The death of any horse is always one too many so it is crucial that steps are taken to reduce the risk of such tragedies occurring."
Animal Aid’s Horse Racing Campaigner, Jade Emery, called for the event to be banned completely. She said: "If a horse’s life is worthless to the racing industry, as we have seen every year at the Grand National meeting, then the industry itself is devoid of morals. It’s time to challenge the acceptance of this race meeting, and the associated deaths, and see it banned from taking place."
Deputy CEO at the League Against Cruel Sports, Chris Luffingham, "Enough is enough. Animal welfare should be at the heart of horse racing and much tighter safety measures need to be implemented – the first step is to create a new independent regulatory body which focuses purely on the welfare of the horses.
"The use of the whip in the sport should be banned as it is forcing horses to go beyond what they are able to cope with and results in stress, injuries and deaths. The lives of horses are being sacrificed for ‘entertainment’ and gambling."
