16-04-2025
Two horses die at Cheltenham weeks after Grand National deaths
On day one of the Grand National festival Willy De Houelle, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, had suffered a fatal injury in a fall in the Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle.
Last Saturday, two horses died in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. Macdermott suffered exercise-associated sudden death, while The Kniphand was fatally injured in a fall.
Macdermott, last year's winner, was trained by Willie Mullins, who won the Ayr showpiece when Harry Cobden, an oasis of calm among the mayhem, guided home 9-1 shot Captain Cody.
Two horses, Springwell Bay and Corbetts Cross, died at the Cheltenham Festival in March, from 452 runners. Yesterday there were 77 runners but it comes after a six-week spell of dry weather when, at most courses, there has been little to no rain and the courses have had to be watered to provide safe ground.
Broadway Boy, who took a heavy fall at Valentine's in the Grand National, continues to make steady progress towards his recovery. He continues to be monitored by vets but has no fractures.
The fatality rate across jump racing is 0.42 per cent of all runners.
