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The world of horse racing is in mourning following the death of Celebre D’Allen after the Grand National, while jockey Micheal Nolan faces a 10-day suspension for his ride during the prestigious Aintree steeplechase. Celebre D’Allen, who was pulled up towards the end of Saturday’s race after struggling, tragically died following a significant decline in his condition.
Jockey Micheal Nolan Suspended After Grand National Ride on Celebre D’Allen
Celebre D’Allen maintained a prominent position near the front of the field for the majority of the celebrated Aintree Grand National. However, approaching the final stages, jockey Micheal Nolan ceased urging the 13-year-old, as the horse began to lose ground on the leading pack and encountered difficulty clearing the last two fences. Subsequently, Celebre D’Allen collapsed on the racecourse and required immediate veterinary assistance before being transported to the stables in a horse trailer.
Initially, there were encouraging signs suggesting Celebre D’Allen would make a full recovery. However, trainers Philip Hobbs and Johnson White released a statement confirming the distressing news that the horse’s condition had deteriorated sharply, leading to his death. Their statement conveyed: “He received the utmost care from the veterinary teams and initially showed signs of improvement. Regrettably, his condition declined considerably overnight and he could not be saved.”
This report provides a detailed account of the events surrounding Micheal Nolan’s suspension and the unfortunate passing of Celebre D’Allen following the Grand National.
Stewards’ Enquiry Leads to Nolan’s Suspension
Almost immediately after the race concluded, it was announced that Micheal Nolan’s ride on Celebre D’Allen would be subject to a stewards’ enquiry. The investigation focused on whether Nolan acted appropriately in continuing to ride Celebre D’Allen after the horse encountered difficulties at the second-to-last fence.
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The stewards determined that Nolan, who became stable jockey for Hobbs and White in 2023, continued to ride a horse that appeared to be completely exhausted. Their official statement read: “An enquiry was conducted to ascertain whether Micheal Nolan, the jockey of Celebre d’Allen, persisted in the race when the horse visibly lacked energy and was clearly losing ground after the second-last obstacle.”
“The jockey and the veterinary official were interviewed, and recordings of the interview were reviewed. As a result, the jockey was suspended for 10 days.”
Micheal Nolan’s suspension will be enforced from April 19 to April 26, and also includes race days on May 3 and May 5.
Celebre D’Allen’s Condition Post-Race and Subsequent Demise
Following the Grand National race, Celebre D’Allen remained at Aintree overnight for further veterinary observation and treatment. On Sunday morning, seemingly positive updates emerged when Hobbs and White shared a video of the horse on their social media platform X, accompanied by the caption: “Celebre D’Allen alert and well this morning after his commendable run in the Grand National.”
However, the situation took a negative turn on Monday night when the trainers reported a worsening of his condition. The Hobbs and White stable expressed their profound sadness at the loss of a ‘magnificent horse’, stating they will ‘mourn him deeply’.
Reactions to Celebre D’Allen’s Death and Jockey’s Ban
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has affirmed its commitment to examining the circumstances surrounding Celebre D’Allen’s death, reiterating their dedication to ensuring the Grand National maintains the highest possible safety standards.
BHA Chief, Brant Dunshea, stated as part of a comprehensive statement: “The BHA and Aintree Racecourse will thoroughly analyse the race and this incident, as is standard practice every year and following every equine fatality in any race. The advancements we have implemented to enhance safety over the years reflect our profound respect for our horses, and our unwavering commitment to their welfare.”
Animal rights organization, Animal Aid, described the suspension issued to Nolan as ‘inadequate’. A spokesperson commented: “It is utterly unacceptable that Celebre D’Allen has died after being raced to the point of exhaustion in the Grand National. The jockey who rode him to collapse received a paltry 10-day suspension. Horses being forced to race for their lives is not a sport.”