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Anorak News | Death At The Grand National: Photos Of What Makes The World’s Greatest Horse Race Great

Death At The Grand National: Photos Of What Makes The World’s Greatest Horse Race Great

by | 10th, April 2011

THE Grand National is a deadly business. Ballabriggs takes the plaudits. But Ornais goes home in an altogether different kind of horse box. At the fourth fence, Ornais broke its neck and died. There the horse lay on the course, covered in green tarpaulin. Did the race stop for a death? No. The jockeys just avoided the body by going round the 20th fence on the second lap. The BBC commentators called the horse an “obstacle”.

Dooneys Gate died at Becher’s Brook. The horse back broke.

Since 2000 a 33 horses have died at the Aintree spring festival. The animal welfare groups bemoan the fact. But isn’t the death and the danger what makes the race?

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Work rider Edward Bourne with Grand National winner Ballabriggs during a Homecoming Photocall at the stables in Malpas, Cheshire, PRESS ASSOCIATIOIN Photo. Picture date: Sunday April 10, 2011. The win was trainer Donald McCain's first in the race. His father Donald 'Ginger' McCain trained two horses to four National wins, Red Rum 3 times and Amberleigh House in 2004. Photo credit should read: Dave Thompson/PA Wire



Posted: 10th, April 2011 | In: Sports Comment (1) | TrackBack | Permalink