An owner whose horse died from a fall in the Randox Grand National hit out at protestors for delaying the start of the big race.
Jimmy Fyffe, who owned the Sandy Thomson-trained Hill Sixteen, said the actions of animal rights activists which resulted in the race starting 14 minutes late “didn’t help” the horses ahead of the race.
Hill Sixteen died when he was fatally injured when coming down at the first fence in the £1million race for which he was an 80-1 outsider. An hour after the race Fyffe, who is also a director of Dundee United football club, was in the Aintree winners enclosure when another horse he owned, Florida Dreams, won the last race of the meeting, a Grade 2 bumper.
“I love Aintree,” he said, speaking to RacingTV. “Sadly I lost a horse in the National. The ups and downs of horse racing, it’s crazy. I am absolutely gutted, especially for Sandy and all his team and all the family have come down to see him. It was heartbreaking. But this horse winning this race is good.”
In defence of the sport, he said: “He could be in a field running about and you can lose a horse. The horses get looked after so well by all trainers. I’ve been in all the stables that I’ve got horses and they are looked after like kings.
“Sadly this has happened today for me and my partner Scott [Townshend, co-owner] but I love the game and invest a lot of money in the game and the horses are looked after so well.
"They have a great life, they love running so I’ve not got any qualms with staying in this game.”
Asked if the animal rights protestors actions had affected the horses, Fyffe said: “Possibly. It didn’t help with all the protestors and the horses walking about for a lengthy time and then going back to the stables and then coming back here. It wasn’t good for the horses whatsoever. It’s happened and it’s not a good thing.”
Hill Sixteen was one of three horses who lost their life during the three days of the Grand National meeting. Dark Raven died after a fall in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle while Envoye Special suffered a fatal injury in Thursday’s Foxhunters Chase on the Grand National course.
Recite a Prayer and Cape Gentleman, who also ran in the Grand National, were assessed on course by veterinary teams. Both horses walked onto the horse ambulance for further assessment in the stables.
Dickon White, who runs Aintree Racecourse as North-West Regional Director for Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “Hill Sixteen was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals during the Grand National, but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.”
Speaking about the disruption, which resulted in 23 arrests, he said: “There was a short delay to the start time for the Grand National, due to the reckless actions of a small number of individuals.
“The police and our security teams, who form part of a strong visible presence on course, dealt with the incident swiftly and decisively. The pre-race parade was cancelled as a result of the short delay.
“The Randox Grand National Festival sees thousands of people come to enjoy racing and a great atmosphere, with millions following on television, radio and online.
“While the actions of a small number of individuals were intended to disrupt the event, the safety and security of everyone on course will always be our number one priority.”
