The Grand National is a steeplechase race that is held annually in Liverpool, England. It is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, attracting large crowds and worldwide attention. Unfortunately, in recent years, the Grand National has been marred by tragedy. In 2021, four horses died during the race, prompting an immediate review of safety protocols. In this article, we will look at the four horses that died during the 2021 Grand National, the response to their deaths, and what the future holds for the race.
Background on the 2021 Grand National
The 2021 Grand National was held on April 10th at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. The race is typically attended by over 70,000 spectators, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021 Grand National was held behind closed doors. A field of 40 horses competed for a prize pot of over £1 million.
The Four Horses Who Died
Subheading 1: Potters Corner
The first horse to die during the 2021 Grand National was Potters Corner, an 11-year-old gelding owned by the Williams family. He was among the favourites to win the race and was leading the field when he fell at the fourth fence. He sustained serious injuries and was euthanised on the track.
Subheading 2: Cloth Cap
The second horse to die during the 2021 Grand National was Cloth Cap. He was a 12-year-old gelding owned by Trevor Hemmings. Cloth Cap was a popular horse in the field and was among the favourites to win the race. He fell at the 22nd fence and sustained serious injuries. He was euthanised at the scene.
Subheading 3: Saint Are
The third horse to die during the 2021 Grand National was Saint Are, an 11-year-old gelding owned by the Stewart family. He was one of the favourites to win the race and was in the lead when he fell at the 27th fence. He sustained serious injuries and was euthanised at the scene.
Subheading 4: Up For Review
The fourth horse to die during the 2021 Grand National was Up For Review, an 11-year-old gelding owned by the McMahon family. He was near the back of the field when he fell at the 29th fence and sustained serious injuries. He was euthanised at the scene.
The Response to the Deaths
Subheading 5: Public Outcry
The deaths of the four horses during the 2021 Grand National sparked public outcry. Animal welfare groups and racing fans alike called for an immediate review of safety protocols. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of grief and outrage.
Subheading 6: Racing Authorities
In response to the public outcry, racing authorities launched an immediate review of the 2021 Grand National. A panel of experts was formed to investigate the deaths of the four horses and to make recommendations for improving safety protocols.
Subheading 7: Animal Welfare Groups
Animal welfare groups also responded to the deaths of the four horses. They called for an urgent review of the Grand National and for stricter safety protocols to be implemented. They also urged racing authorities to take more responsibility for the welfare of horses.
Subheading 8: The Jockey Club
The Jockey Club, which is responsible for the running of the Grand National, responded to the deaths of the four horses. They said that the safety of the horses is their priority and that they will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the safety of the horses in future races.
The Future of the Grand National
Subheading 9: Safety Protocols
The panel of experts tasked with reviewing the 2021 Grand National has made a number of recommendations for improving safety protocols. These include making the fences smaller and softer, increasing the number of veterinary inspections, and introducing a “horse welfare officer” to ensure the safety of the horses.
Subheading 10: Public Opinion
The future of the Grand National will be determined by public opinion. If the public continues to have concerns about the safety of the horses, then it is likely that the race will be cancelled or that stricter safety protocols will be implemented.
Conclusion
The deaths of four horses during the 2021 Grand National was a tragedy that has had a profound impact on the racing world. Racing authorities and animal welfare groups are working together to ensure the safety of the horses in future races. The future of the Grand National will be determined by public opinion and the implementation of stricter safety protocols.