The Grand National is the most famous horse race in the country, but while it is creates thrills and excitement, it is also associated with tragedy.
The jumps at Aintree provide incredible drama but also huge danger for the horses and jockeys alike.
There have been significant changes at Aintree in recent years to improve the safety of the course, but the inherently dangerous sport remains risky.
And the horses and jockeys once again risked their lives for the 2025 edition of the famous horse race, which was won by Nick Rockett, ridden by Patrick Mullins.
Did any horses die in the Grand National this year?
Thankfully, there were no fatalities in this year’s showpiece race.
Broadway Boy, who was in the lead for the majority of the race, fell at the 25th fence.
Celebre d’Allen, meanwhile, collapsed after the final fence with its jockey, Micheal Nolan, subsequently suspended for 10 days.
But both horses have now been given a clean bill of health after undergoing medical checks on Saturday evening.
However, the first day of Aintree did see Willy De Houelle suffer a fatal injury during the Juvenile Hurdle.
In response, a British Horse Racing Authority spokesperson said: ‘British racing is relentless in its efforts to reduce avoidable risk. However, as with any sport or activity involving horses it is impossible to remove risk entirely. The fatal injury rate in Jump racing is 0.44% of runners. British racing is open and honest about the risks involved.
‘British racing is one of the world’s best regulated animal activities. The BHA is the sport’s regulator, recognised by Government. The BHA sets and enforces the standards to which everyone involved in the sport must adhere.
‘At all times during a racehorse’s life, including when in training, at the racecourse or after its racing career has finished, the BHA requires that the health and well-being of the horse should be the primary consideration of those responsible for the horse’s care. The sport also has in place an independently-Chaired Horse Welfare Board which has delivered a five-year welfare strategy which has safety as a core area of focus.’
How many horses have died at the Grand National in previous years?
88 horses have died in the Grand National since the race was first run in 1839.
Obviously over the Aintree Festival as a whole there have been far more, with Willy De Houelle becoming the 66th to die since 2000.
According to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), steeplechasing events have an average of four deaths per 1,000 horses taking part, although this average is higher at Aintree.
The grisly demise of both Brown Trix and Seeandem at the infamous Becher’s Brook fence in 1989 led to changes at the racecourse.
The jump is described as the ‘most thrilling and famous fence in the horse racing world’ by the Grand National.
Since then, fences have been lowered, and inclines made less steep, but many within the community think these alterations have actually led to jockeys taking more risks.
However, since the first Grand National in 1839, only one jockey has lost their life.
On March 12, 1862, O’Connell’s rider Joseph Wynne suffered fatal injuries when another horse, Playmate, caused a pile up when it fell at the Chair – a formidable obstacle at a height of 5’3” and preceded by a 6’ open ditch.
Playmate landed on top of Wynne, crushing his breastbone and knocking him unconscious. The jockey died at 8pm that evening without ever regaining consciousness.
How many horses have died in recent editions?
One horse died at the main Grand National race in 2019, named Up For Review.
Ridden by jockey Danny Mullins, the animal was brought down at the first fence by another fallen horse.
Up For Review was the first to be killed in the steeplechase since the deaths of Synchronised and According to Pete in 2012.
The tragic scene was quickly covered from view as Tiger Roll won the competition for the second year in a row.
The Ladies Day event on Friday saw two other horses die after falling during their races.
Forest des Aigles broke its leg when jumping a fence, while Crucial Role also fell during the course, and both horses were later put-down because of their injuries.
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There were no Grand National races in 2020 due to the pandemic, and in 2021, two horses died: The Long Mile, during the main race, and Houx Gris, during the Novice Hurdle.
The 2022 main edition saw Discorama die after pulling up before the 13th fence, whilst Eclair Surf died following a heavy fall at the third fence, with Elle Est Belle and Solwara One also passing away during the three day meeting.
The 2023 Grand National, which was delayed after a protest by an animal right’s group, claimed the lives of four horses: Hill Sixteen, Dark Raven, Envoye Special and Hullnback.
There were no fatalities in 2024.
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