Second Horse Dies Following Grand National

A second horse has sadly died after sustaining injuries at the 2022 Grand National on Saturday (9 April). 

Eclair Surf, ridden by Tom Bellamy, failed to recover from a fall on the third hurdle at Aintree Racecourse and passed away this morning. 

The horse’s trainer Emma Lavelle announced the news on Twitter, writing: “We are very sad to report that having sustained a traumatic head injury in yesterday's Grand National, Eclair Surf lost his fight this morning.

We are very sad to report that having sustained a traumatic head injury in yesterdays Grand National, Eclair Surf lost his fight this morning. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/wCAeN35Dr4

— Emma Lavelle (@ELavelleracing) April 10, 2022

“He was looked after at the racecourse by a team of first-class vets before being transferred to Liverpool University who treated him all night, however very sadly it was not to be.

“He was an incredibly special horse, loved by everyone and he will be missed terribly.”

Chris Proudman, veterinary advisor to Aintree Racecourse, added: “We were sad to learn that Eclair Surf had to be put to sleep this morning. 

“After his fall yesterday he was stabilised on course before walking onto transport back to the stables. 

“Following further veterinary evaluation he was referred to Leahurst Equine Hospital last night. 

“Everything possible will have been done for him and our thoughts are very much with those who loved and cared for him.”

Eclair Surf is the second horse to have died after this year’s Grand National where Noble Yeats won, following from the tragic passing of Discorama.

The horse suffered a fatal injury before the 13th fence and was announced to have died on Saturday evening. 

His trainer Paul Nolan tweeted: "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."

Just after the event, a statement revealed that the horses had been returned to the stables and were being assessed. 

Proudman said: “After the race, Discorama, who had pulled up while travelling on the flat between fences, was assessed further in Aintree’s veterinary treatment facility within the stables. 

“Very sadly we determined that he had sustained an untreatable pelvic injury and it has now been necessary to put him to sleep on welfare grounds. Our thoughts are with his connections.”

The BBC reports that this is the first time two horses have died in the race since 2012, when stricter safety measures were put in place. 

A further two horses – Elle Est Belle and Solwara One – died in preliminary competitions prior to the main event this year. 

Animal rights campaigners have condemned the deaths, including Animal Aid’s Horse Racing Campaigner Jade Emery, who is calling for the event to be banned completely. 

She said: “If a horse’s life is worthless to the racing industry, as we have seen every year at the Grand National meeting, then the industry itself is devoid of morals. 

“It’s time to challenge the acceptance of this race meeting, and the associated deaths, and see it banned from taking place.”