Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Grand National Jockey Receives Ban After Horse Collapse at Aintree
Aintree, UK – Jockey Micheal Nolan has been suspended for 10 days following an incident in the 2025 Grand National steeplechase where his mount, Celebre D’Allen, faltered and collapsed shortly after being pulled up. The 13-year-old gelding, trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, was competing in the prestigious horse racing event at odds of 125/1.
Stewards’ Inquiry and Riding Ban
Celebre D’Allen began showing signs of fatigue in the latter stages of the race, despite a promising start. After the second-last fence, the horse appeared to struggle, but Nolan continued to ride before eventually pulling him up after the final jump.
Subsequently, the horse collapsed on the track, requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Fortunately, Celebre D’Allen was able to walk into a horse ambulance and was transported for further evaluation.
Following the race, a stewards’ enquiry was launched. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) determined that Nolan had violated racing regulations by persisting on a horse that was visibly struggling.
The official stewards’ report detailed the findings: ‘An enquiry was convened to assess whether Micheal Nolan, the rider of CELEBRE D’ALLEN (FR), proceeded in the race when the horse seemed to be exhausted and was clearly losing ground after the second-last obstacle. The rider and the Veterinary Officer were questioned, and recordings of the event were reviewed. The rider was handed a 10-day suspension.’
Celebre D’Allen’s Condition
Later that evening, racing commentator Matt Chapman from The Sun provided an update, indicating Celebre D’Allen had suffered heatstroke and would remain at Aintree overnight for observation.
‘Celebre d’Allen experienced heatstroke. Remaining at the course tonight. Expected to recover,’ Chapman posted.
Update on Broadway Boy
Chapman also gave an update on Broadway Boy, another horse involved in an incident, having fallen at the 25th fence. Broadway Boy received immediate treatment on the course before being moved to a horse ambulance.
‘Veterinarians are satisfied. Monitoring for the next 24 hours. Optimistic for a full recovery,’ Chapman added, noting the cautious approach: ‘Reluctant to make definitive statements just yet as a precaution.’
Historic Grand National Race
These incidents occurred during a noteworthy Grand National, where Willie Mullins achieved a historic training feat, securing the top three positions – a first in the modern era of the celebrated race.
Patrick Mullins, his son, piloted 33/1 shot Nick Rockett to victory, narrowly defeating stablemates I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West. Meetingofthewaters (5th) and Minella Cocooner (7th) also finished within the top ten.
An emotional Mullins commented post-race: ‘This is a lifetime accomplishment. When I witnessed Patrick move to the rail on the final stretch, I was overcome with emotion.’
Officials confirmed that all jockeys returned safely, and racing activities at Aintree resumed after a brief delay. The BHA reassured that both injured horses received ‘immediate and comprehensive care’ and will continue to be closely monitored.