The Long Mile and Houx Gris died at the Grand National festival in 2021, following fatal injuries.
This brought the total number of horses who have died at the iconic race to six, since 2011. At 4.5 miles, the headline Grand National race is one of the longest in the world.
The Aintree contest features 30 jumps but fences such as The Chair, Becher’s Brook, and Canal Turn have notoriously caused problems for runners over the years. In the build-up to the Grand National, there are always safety and welfare issues raised. However, huge safety improvements have been made in recent years.
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Changes introduced since 2012 include adapting and rebuilding the fences, facilities and stables. Information given on The Jockey Club's website states: "From the very moment a horse arrives at Aintree the most important thing to the racecourse is its safety and welfare."
Before the Grand National race begins, the veterinary team at Aintree assesses the heath of horses so that they are safe to race and are not a danger to themselves or will endanger other horses. "Significant improvements" have been made to the physical structure and composition of fences at Aintree, and this has "played a major role in improving the welfare of horses that race".
New approaches and bypass areas to fences have also been added, to make the approach of each fence safer. Horses are also kept in secure stables, which are closely monitored by the British Horseracing Authority.
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