It is one of the world's most iconic sporting events and watched by millions each year. But while the Grand National is an opportunity for racing fans to dress up, watch some scintillating action and maybe even win a bit of money, there is a dark side to the steeplechase with many horses losing their lives at Aintree over the years.
Four horses have died at this year's festival. On Sunday morning, it as confirmed that Eclair Surf died from a traumatic head injury caused in a fall at the third fence. His trainer Emma Lavelle said the horse lost his fight early in the morning despite the care of first-class vets. Discorama, who fell at the 13th fence at the Grand National, also died after suffering an "untreatable" pelvic injury. There were also distressing scenes at Aintree on Saturday when, hours before the main event, Elle Est Belle suffered a suspected heart attack as she finished fourth in the novices hurdle. Solwara One, ridden by jockey Sam Twiston-Davies, had become the first fatality of this year's race week following the 1.45pm race on Friday.
The RSCPA has condemned the deaths, saying that "the death of any horse is always one too many", while animal rights activists and campaign groups have long called for stricter safety measures to be introduced within horse racing. These calls have been intensified following the recent Cheltenham Festival, where four horses lost their lives in just four days.
