Grand National Meeting: Gold Dancer put down after winning Novices' Chase

Tragedy struck at the Grand National Meeting at Aintree when Gold Dancer, winner of the Mildmay Novices’ Chase on the event’s second day, had to be euthanized due to a broken back. The seven-year-old horse, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, led the race and crossed the finish line four lengths ahead of Regent’s Stroll. Despite this impressive victory, Gold Dancer suffered a severe injury after dragging his back legs through the final fence.

Upon completing the race, Gold Dancer was immediately pulled up. Screens were erected around the horse while veterinary experts assessed the situation, but the injury was irreparable. Owners Gigginstown expressed their sorrow, stating: “He’s been put down. He broke his back. It’s terribly sad for the horse. What could Paul Townend do? He felt fine, it was just when he pulled up that something was wrong.” The incident has fueled criticism and concern from animal welfare advocates.

Emma Slawinski, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, condemned the race, highlighting the recurring fatalities at Aintree. She remarked, “Year after year we see horses dying at Aintree for people’s entertainment and a cheap bet. Sadly, Gold Dancer is the latest victim of this heartless spectacle, which flies in the face of animal welfare.” Slawinski urged the public and businesses to boycott the Aintree Festival and refrain from supporting the event through betting or viewership, calling for government intervention. She criticized the British Horseracing Authority and Jockey Club for allegedly prioritizing gambling revenues over equine safety.

In response, James Given, the British Horseracing Authority’s director of equine health and welfare, provided a detailed account of the incident. He explained that Gold Dancer slipped and lost control of his back end while jumping and initially appeared to recover, running straight without any asymmetry. The injury became evident only after crossing the finish line when the horse slowed from a canter to a trot, prompting Townend to immediately dismount and seek veterinary help. Given emphasized that Townend would not have sensed the injury during the race, saying, “He would have felt nothing but normal to him and it was only from the action from a canter to a trot he became aware and acted exactly as he should have done.” This tragic loss follows the deaths of two horses, Willy De Houelle and Celebre D’Allen, at last year’s Aintree Festival.

Meanwhile, on the same day, there were significant developments in other races. Grey Dawning, ridden by Harry Skelton, captured the Melling Chase, giving a win to trainer Dan Skelton. The 5-1 shot held off Solness by a neck in a tightly contested race. Harry Skelton dedicated the victory to Robert Kirkland’s late wife, acknowledging her support for the Skelton brothers and expressing hope that the win would offer some comfort during a difficult time. Dan Skelton praised Grey Dawning’s determination, noting, “He was really brave today. He needed to be and he was.”

Success also came to Will The Wise who triumphed in the Topham Chase over the Grand National fences. The seven-year-old, under Conor Stone-Walsh, worked through a large field of 27 runners to claim the victory, overtaking the favorite Madara, who finished third. Trainer Gavin Cromwell enjoyed his first winner of the day. Other noteworthy winners included Jonjo O’Neill Jr’ with Wellington Arch in the Handicap Hurdle and Storming George securing victory in the Top Novices’ Hurdle for trainer Neil King

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