Four horses died at the famous horse steeplechase Grand National 2022 in Aintree, despite tightened security measures.
40 horses started at the most famous horse obstacle race in the world. The prize money amounts 1.2 million euros which the amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen and the horse “Noble Yeats” took home. On 7,2 kilometers 30 obstacles must be mastered. It comes again and again to accidents and deaths. That’ s why there are always calls for stricter safety measures in racing.
First it was said that all horses returned healthy to their stables, then the sad news: two horses died immediately after the race.
The first was “Discorma” ridden by Paul Nolan. He suffered a fatal injury between Fence 12 and 13. He had to be euthanized immediately after the race
The following day Emma Lavelle’s “Eclair Surf” died as a result of a traumatic head injury at the 3rd fence. Eclair Surf was all Night under treatment at the University in Liverpool but could not win the fight and had to be euthanized as well.
We are heartbroken to have lost Discorama today at Aintree. Bryan pulled him up due to injury. Our condolences to his owners Andrew Gemmell & Tom Friel. pic.twitter.com/Mp2xrlmByA
— Paul Nolan (@nolan_racing) April 9, 2022
Two more horses died during the three-day event. The horse “Elle Est Belle” probably died because of a heart attack and “Slowara One” died because of an injury.
It was the last time in 2011 when two horses died in a race, after that the Safety precautions were strengthened and the construction of the obstacles was changed. After this race, the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the League Against Cruel Sport demand further safety measures and condemn the event.
Source: itv
