Horse dies in horror fall at f irst fence

THE joyous atmosphere at the Grand National was marred last night as it emerged that a horse had been killed after a horrific fall at the first fence.

Up For Review, an eight-yearold horse trained by Willie Mullins, was put down following the race.

He was the third horse to be killed during this year’s threeday meeting but the first in the Grand National for seven years.

ITV, which broadcast the race live, later showed a replay from the second fence onwards to avoid showing the fatal fall.

The tragedy came after Crucial Role and Forest Des Aigles had to be put down after suffering injuries during Ladies’ Day on Friday.

This year’s death toll has reignited the debate over the safety of horses competing in the world-famous event.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: ‘We’re deeply saddened to see the deaths of three horses at Aintree. The death of any horse is always one too many and it’s crucial that steps are urgently taken to reduce the risk of these tragedies.’

Chris Luffingham, of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: ‘Much has been made about the Grand National being made safer, yet we are again talking about the tragic death of a horse during the race.’