Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Grand National Contender Celebre D’Allen Dies After Aintree Race
Celebre D’Allen, a 13-year-old horse who competed in the recent Grand National steeplechase, has died. The news comes two days after he collapsed at the Aintree racecourse following the showpiece event, reportedly having ‘nothing left to give’.
Horse Collapsed Post-Race; Jockey Banned
The 125/1 longshot, trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, faltered in the concluding stages of the Grand National and fell after clearing the final hurdle, requiring immediate veterinary assistance.
Following the incident, jockey Micheal Nolan received a 10-day suspension. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) stated that Nolan violated riding regulations by continuing to race a horse that was visibly in distress.
Racing Stable Expresses Grief
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Celebre D’Allen. He received exemplary care from the veterinary teams and initially showed signs of improvement,” Philip Hobbs and Johnson White Racing announced in a statement released on Tuesday morning.
“However, his condition deteriorated significantly overnight, and tragically, he could not be saved. He was an exceptional horse, and his loss is profoundly felt by all of us.”
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Race Incident Details
Celebre D’Allen began the Grand National well but appeared to be struggling after the second-to-last fence. Despite this, Nolan continued to ride, only pulling the horse up after jumping the last obstacle.
Veterinary Care and Initial Optimism
The gelding was subsequently transported in a horse ambulance for further evaluation.
Racing journalist Matt Chapman reported on Saturday evening that Celebre D’Allen was suffering from heatstroke and would remain at Aintree overnight for observation.
On Sunday, there was cautious optimism regarding Celebre D’Allen’s condition. The Hobbs and White stable shared a video on social media platform X, showing the horse appearing well with the caption: “Celebre D’Allen bright and breezy this morning @AintreeRaces after running so well in the Grand National.”
Jockey’s Ban Explained
As the oldest participant in the Grand National field at 13, the handling of Celebre D’Allen during the race led to jockey Nolan’s 10-day ban imposed by racecourse stewards.
The stewards’ full statement regarding the incident elaborated: “An inquiry was convened to assess whether Micheal Nolan, the rider of CELEBRE D’ALLEN (FR), persisted in the race when the horse appeared exhausted and was visibly losing ground after the second-last fence.”
“The rider and the Veterinary Officer were interviewed, and video evidence of the incident was reviewed. Consequently, the rider was suspended for 10 days.”
BHA Statement on Celebre D’Allen’s Death
Following the news of Celebre D’Allen’s death, BHA acting chief executive Brant Dunshea issued a statement: “Everyone at the BHA is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Celebre D’Allen following Saturday’s Randox Grand National.”
“It has been evident since Saturday afternoon how deeply connected the horse was to his connections, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to them today.”
Rigorous Veterinary Checks
“As is standard procedure for all participants in the Grand National, Celebre D’Allen underwent a comprehensive pre-race examination by veterinary professionals at the racecourse. This thorough health assessment includes a trot-up, physical inspection of limbs for any signs of heat, discomfort, or swelling, and auscultation of the heart to detect any murmurs or rhythm irregularities.”
“This constitutes the final stage in an extensive series of checks designed to confirm a horse’s fitness to compete in the National. The process also involves a review of veterinary records and evaluation by a panel of experts to assess a horse’s racing history and suitability for the race. Furthermore, the horse would have been examined by the trainer’s private veterinarian on two separate occasions, a month apart.”
Post-Race Treatment and Analysis
“Celebre D’Allen received immediate treatment from the on-site team of experienced veterinarians after being pulled up and subsequently collapsing near the race’s conclusion.”
“Having received prompt attention from the on-course teams, he was allowed ample time to respond to treatment before being transported to the advanced veterinary facilities at the racecourse stables, where he remained overnight, continuing to receive dedicated care and monitoring.”
“He was later moved to a nearby stud farm associated with the horse’s owners on Sunday, after showing positive signs of improvement overnight.”
Ongoing Review of Safety Measures
“The BHA and Aintree racecourse will conduct a thorough analysis of the race and this specific incident, as is routine practice every year and following every fatal injury in any race. This will include a post-mortem examination of the horse.”
“The process of reviewing each fatality enables us to augment our existing data and improve our understanding of how to minimize all reasonably avoidable risks, with the aim of ensuring the highest possible safety standards for our horses and riders.”
“This ongoing process previously informed the changes implemented for the 2024 Grand National, including a reduction in the number of runners. Prior to Saturday’s race, there had been no fatal injuries in the preceding nine races held over the Grand National course since the 2023 National.”
Further Updates to Follow
More information will be released as it becomes available.