Importance Score: 52 / 100 🔵
Grand National jockey Michael Nolan is facing scrutiny following his ride on Celebre D’Allen in Saturday’s showcase race at Aintree. The Allan Stennett-owned horse was pulled up by Nolan towards the end of the challenging steeplechase and subsequently required immediate veterinary attention on the course.
Stewards Investigate Nolan’s Grand National Ride
Celebre D’Allen, who started at odds of 100/1, remained competitive alongside Beauport and Grangeclare West with only three fences left to jump in the prestigious horse race. Ultimately, Nick Rockett, ridden by Patrick Mullins, emerged victorious for trainer Willie Mullins, holding off a challenge from I Am Maximus.
ITV broadcast announced after the race that both Broadway Boy, who endured a significant fall, and Celebre D’Allen were under veterinary assessment. Following a delay, both horses were transported in horse ambulances back to their stables for further examinations. Simultaneously, a stewards inquiry was launched to investigate Nolan’s ride on Celebre D’Allen.
Michael Nolan’s Riding Record
Jockey Michael Nolan has secured 37 wins from 254 rides this season. The Irish jockey had been appointed as stable jockey for trainers Philip Hobbs and Johnson White in 2023, overcoming previous injury setbacks.
Race Schedule Disruption
The medical care required for both Broadway Boy and Celebre D’Allen resulted in delays to the remainder of Saturday’s racecard. The Rosconn Group Maghull Novices’ Chase, for example, began 14 minutes later than its scheduled 5 pm start time due to the course incidents.
Updates on Horse and Jockey Conditions
A BBC statement provided an update on the condition of the jockeys and the two injured horses: “We have a further update for you on the condition of the jockeys and the two injured horses. Tom Bellamy [rider of Broadway Boy] has been transferred to Aintree University Hospital for further evaluation.”
The statement continued, “All other jockeys returned to the weighing room. Celebre D’Allen has been loaded onto the horse ambulance and will return to the stables for further assessment.”
Viewer Reaction to Broadcast Coverage
Some viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the initial television coverage, noting the limited immediate discussion by ITV pundits regarding the welfare of Broadway Boy and Celebre D’Allen. It was approximately half an hour after the race concluded before presenter Ed Chamberlain provided an update confirming that both horses were being assessed by veterinary professionals.
Focus on Winning Connections
Much of the post-race broadcast focused on the winning horse and jockey, and the emotional victory for veteran trainer Willie Mullins, witnessing his son Patrick ride to his first Grand National triumph. “It was some result,” a tearful Mullins stated to ITV. “It is lovely to give your son a ride in the National, but to be able to win it is just unbelievable.”