The trainer of a Grand National racehorse has been left devastated after the injured animal had to be put down following the showpiece Aintree event on Saturday.
Discorama is the third horse to have died at this year's Aintree festival and the only reported casualty of the Grand National race itself. The horse was pulled up with an injury shortly before the 13th fence. Jockey Bryan Cooper reported that his ride was lame, before trainer Paul Nolan confirmed on social media that the injuries sustained were fatal.
Writing on Twitter, he said: "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."
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Following the conclusion of the race, it was originally reported that all runners in the National had safely returned to their stables, but the loss of Discorama has left a cloud over the headline event.
Veterinary Advisor to Aintree Racecourse, Professor Chris Proudman, 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.”
Earlier in the day, Elle Est Belle suffered a suspected heart attack on the run to the line in the 2:25pm Betway Mersey Novices' Hurdle on Saturday. The Dan Skelton-trained horse, ridden by Harry Skelton, collapsed when finishing fourth and a green tent was erected around the six-year-old.
It has since been confirmed that Elle Est Belle had to be put down. Saturday's two casualties come after Solwara One died following the 1:45pm race at Aintree on Friday.
Speaking recently after the Cheltenham Festival, Ian Renton of the Jockey Club, said: "All our team here work absolutely tirelessly to do everything we can for horses and human welfare and that is absolutely paramount in everything we think."
In the last decade, British Racing has invested more than £20m into veterinary activities including research and education. The governing body also has self-imposed and enforced welfare standards which they say exceed national animal welfare legislation.
