Drama at a renowned tournament
Horse dies in obstacle races, rider in the hospital
Updated on 04.04.2025 – 2:37 p.m.Reading time: 1 min.
At a traditional event in England, horse and rider fall hard. The accident ends fatally for the animal.
A tragic incident overshadowed the prestigious Grand National in the English Aintree. Jockey Rachael Blackmore fell with four -year -old gelding Willy de Houelle – the horse still had to be put to sleep on site.
Willy de Houelle had difficulties early in the race, and the sixth obstacle then occurred. The animal suffered fatal injuries. Blackmore was initially treated in the ambulance on site and then came to the hospital. According to English media, your condition should be stable.
In addition to Blackmore, jockey JJ Slevin also fell down with his horse Naturally Nimble. But both remained unharmed.
ITV commentator Ed Chamberlain informed about the tragic event during the live broadcast: Willy de Houelle was fatally injured. The race won a protégé of coach Willie Mullins, but victory got back into the background in view of the events.
A spokesman told the “Mirror” that after a thorough examination, the veterinarians came to the conclusion that “the best measure in the sense of the well -being of the horse was a gentle sleep. Our deepest sympathy applies,” he said.
According to the animal welfare organization Animal AID, over 3,000 horses have been killed in obstacle races since 2001.
Blackmore is one of the most successful riders in obstacle sports. In 2021 she was the first jockey to achieve the most victories at the Cheltenham Festival – and at the same time the first woman who won both the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.