The Grand National is one of the most famous horse races in the world, and one of the most watched sporting events in Great Britain. It takes place each year at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, and is watched by millions of people around the world. While the Grand National is one of the most exciting and thrilling horse races around, it also carries a certain level of risk. This is due to the sheer number of horses involved in the race, and the tough and unpredictable course. As a result, there is always the possibility that a horse may suffer an injury or worse, and the question is: did any horses die in the Grand National?
History of the Grand National
The Grand National is the most prestigious race in the National Hunt racing calendar. It was first held in 1839 at Aintree Racecourse, and was won by the aptly named Lottery. The Grand National is widely considered to be one of the toughest races in the world, and is notorious for its unforgiving fences and unpredictable terrain. The race is open to horses aged five and above, and the course is 4 miles and 856 yards long. The race has been held every year since its inception, with the exception of the two World Wars.
Safety Concerns
Due to the dangerous nature of the race, safety is of paramount importance. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to make the Grand National as safe as possible for both horses and riders. This has included the introduction of fences with softer landing surfaces, as well as the introduction of a ‘medical team’ that is on hand to provide assistance to any horses or riders who may suffer an injury during the race.
Deaths in Recent Years
Despite the safety measures in place, tragedy has still struck in recent years. In 2013, the horse According to Pete suffered an injury during the race, and had to be put down. This was followed by the death of Synchronised in the same year, who suffered an injury and had to be euthanised. In 2016, the horse The Last Samuri suffered a fall and had to be put down.
Deaths in the Past
Sadly, deaths have occurred in the Grand National in the past, long before modern safety measures were introduced. In 1981, a horse named Southern Star died after suffering an injury, and in 1985 the horse Hallo Dandy was put down after suffering an injury in the race. The horse Red Rum also suffered an injury in the 1973 race, and had to be put down the following year.
Other Injuries
While deaths are thankfully rare, injuries are unfortunately a common occurrence in the Grand National. In recent years, a number of horses have suffered injuries during the race, resulting in them being unable to finish the race. In the 2017 race, a total of nine horses suffered injuries and were unable to finish the race.
Pre-Race Safety Checks
In order to reduce the risk of injuries and deaths, horses must pass pre-race safety checks before they are allowed to compete in the Grand National. These checks involve a thorough examination of the horse, including an assessment of their physical condition, as well as their psychological state. If a horse does not pass the safety checks, then they will not be allowed to compete in the race.
The Role of Jockeys
The role of the jockey is also key in ensuring the safety of the horses in the Grand National. The jockeys are responsible for ensuring that the horse is fit and healthy, and that they are able to handle the tough terrain and fences. They are also responsible for ensuring that the horse is not pushed beyond its limits during the race, and that they are not placed in any undue danger.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that while deaths are thankfully rare in the Grand National, they have occurred in the past. However, due to the introduction of safety measures such as pre-race safety checks, as well as the role of the jockey, the risk of death is greatly reduced. As such, it can be said that while any death is tragic, the Grand National is a much safer event than it was in the past.
Did any horses died in Grand National? The answer is yes, horses have died in the Grand National in the past, but due to the introduction of safety measures, the risk has been greatly reduced.