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Grand National 2024: Horse Welfare Concerns Raised After Incidents at Aintree Racecourse
During the recent Grand National steeplechase, two horses encountered difficulties, prompting ITV presenter Ed Chamberlin to commend the Aintree staff for their swift response and assistance. The incidents have reignited discussions surrounding horse welfare in racing. Broadway Boy, a prominent contender early in the race, suffered a significant fall at the 25th fence. On-site veterinary professionals provided immediate care before the horse was transported in a horse ambulance for further evaluation and treatment.
Aintree Staff Praised for Response to Horse Incidents
Celebre D’Allen, in a separate occurrence during the Grand National race, collapsed on the course after being pulled up near the race’s conclusion. Similar to Broadway Boy, Celebre D’Allen was also moved into a horse ambulance and returned to the stables for subsequent veterinary attention. Jockey Micheal Nolan was later sanctioned with a 10-day suspension for allegedly failing to stop riding the horse sooner.
Chamberlin Lauds Ground Staff for Ensuring Safe Racing Conditions
Writing in his Daily Mail column, Chamberlin praised the Aintree ground staff, acknowledging their ‘miraculous’ efforts in preparing safe ground, which he suggested may have mitigated further injury to the horses. He emphasized the ongoing efforts at Aintree to enhance horse racing safety.
“The unavoidable reality is that risk remains inherent in the Grand National,” Chamberlin stated. “These horses are bred for competition, and inherent risks are understood, but Aintree has consistently evolved over time to minimize potential hazards. The ground staff, as an example, performed miracles to provide secure footing. Despite these incidents, it was an incredible sporting spectacle, highlighted by Willie Mullins achieving a 1-2-3 finish, a personal triumph for his son, Patrick, and an unforgettable outcome for Stewart Andrew.”
ITV’s Grand National Broadcast Under Criticism for Incident Coverage
ITV’s broadcast coverage of the incidents involving Broadway Boy and Celebre D’Allen faced widespread criticism. Viewers understandably expressed concern for the injured horses, and updates regarding their condition were not provided until approximately 30 minutes after the Grand National had finished, prompting negative feedback.
Veterinary Update on Injured Horses
Providing viewers with an update, Chamberlin stated: “All jockeys are confirmed safe. An initial report following the Grand National indicates that Broadway Boy and Celebre D’Allen are currently undergoing assessment by expert veterinary teams. Further updates will be issued in due course.”
Animal Rights Groups React Angrily to Grand National Horse Falls
While Nick Rockett, trained by Willie Mullins, secured victory in the Grand National, the afternoon was significantly impacted and overshadowed by the distressing scenes involving Broadway Boy and Celebre D’Allen. These events have intensified scrutiny from animal rights advocates and reignited debate about horse welfare in the Grand National and the broader sport.
Animal Rising and Animal Aid Condemn Horse Racing Risks
Animal rights organisations have reacted with strong criticism. Ben Newman of Animal Rising told The Guardian: “When the public witnesses the stark reality and suffering within horse racing, their reaction is understandably one of repulsion.”
Separately, Animal Aid expressed their ‘disgust and outrage’ that Broadway Boy endured a severe fall during the Grand National race.
They further added: “Instead of offering the public timely information regarding his wellbeing, the racing industry had the audacity to disseminate vacuous rhetoric about racehorse ‘welfare’.”
Express Sport has contacted ITV for their response to these criticisms and the incidents.