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Horse Fatality Mars Grand National; Jockey Rachael Blackmore Uninjured After Fall
Tragedy struck the Grand National meeting as Willy De Houelle, a four-year-old horse, suffered a fatal injury during the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle race. The equine fatality occurred in the second race of the day at the prestigious event. Jockey Rachael Blackmore also fell during the same race, but early reports indicate she is unharmed following a medical assessment.
Details of the Incident
Willy De Houelle, owned by Rich Ricci and trained by Willie Mullins, had settled towards the back of the pack early in the race. The young horse encountered difficulty at the third hurdle before a serious fall at the sixth. The injuries sustained in the fall proved fatal for the horse. Blackmore received immediate medical attention on course. Two other participants, Naturally Nimble and jockey JJ Slevin, also fell but are believed to be unharmed.
Jockey’s Condition
Following her fall, Blackmore appeared to be in discomfort as she was taken to the on-site medical facilities. Subsequent reports confirmed that the jockey was not seriously injured.
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Official Statements and Reactions
ITV presenter Ed Chamberlin addressed viewers shortly after the race, stating: “Rachael Blackmore walked into the ambulance, looked pretty sore doing so. Hopefully she will be okay. News on her horse as soon as we get it.”
In a later update, Chamberlin delivered the somber news of Willy De Houelle’s death, saying: “More now on our last race I’m afraid, news has filtered through that Willy De Houelle, I’m afraid, suffered a fatal injury in that race. Our thoughts with the Richis (owners), we hope Rachael is okay and Willie Mullins, that will take the gloss off of him winning that contest. That’s sad news coming out of the Juvenile Hurdle.”
Chamberlain’s announcement followed the earlier confirmation of another equine death, Ancient Truth, which occurred from a fall earlier in the week, highlighting safety concerns at the event.
Background on Willy De Houelle
Investment banker and racehorse owner Rich Ricci acquired Willy De Houelle in September of the previous year. The horse previously participated in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham the prior month, finishing in 11th position out of 17 runners under jockey Brian Hayes.
In a stark contrast, trainer Willie Mullins experienced victory in the subsequent race, the Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase, with Gaelic Warrior. This win marked Mullins’ third triumph of the day, underscoring the mixed emotions of the afternoon.
Animal Welfare Group Calls for Ban
Animal welfare organization, Animal Aid, has renewed its call for a prohibition on jump racing in the wake of Willy De Houelle’s death. The organization released a statement saying: “Willy De Houelle, just four years old, was killed in the second race today after suffering a horrific fall. The death toll of this event is now 66 horses killed since 2000.”
The statement continued, asserting: “The Grand National three-day meeting is lethal for horses – who have no choice but to run for their lives on a racecourse designed to push them to their limits. Furthermore, National Hunt or ‘jump’ racing has killed more than 3,000 horses since 2001. This is why we are calling for a ban on jump racing, with the cruel Cheltenham and Aintree festivals being the first to go.”