Grand National Update

Although she did not win the Grand National yesterday, jockey Katie Walsh acquitted herself marvelously, coming in an exceedingly respectable third. For a time, it seemed as if she might actually win the extremely grueling four-mile+ race, but in the last few seconds, her mount Seabass was caught by Sunnyhillboy, who was himself caught at the wire by the eventual winner, Neptune Collonges, in a photo finish. The winning horse was later paraded around his home village in Somerset, to the delight of hundreds of villagers.

The race began late when one of the favorites, the gorgeous Synchronised, winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup race earlier this year, tossed his rider during the grandstand parade. He cantered off, thoroughly enjoying himself and delayed the start of the race until he could be collected and remounted. The start of the race was further delayed by two false starts with horse breaking through the starting tape early. Synchronised then managed to lose his rider again at the fence known as Becher's Brook on the first circuit of the course and galloped merrily along, continuing to jump, until he incurred a fracture to a hind leg. Another horse, According to Pete, fell at Becher's Brook during the second  circuit and also fractured a leg. So my wish for a safe race for all was not granted.

To the devastation of their owners - both horses were home-bred, practically family members - the injuries were such that both animals had to be euthanized. It was particularly sad for Synchronised's following who were looking forward to a double win.  As required, an investigation into the injuries is ongoing, but is currently at an advanced stage.

This is the second year in a row that two horses have died while attempting to negotiate the complex and exhausting Grand National course. Following last year's tragedy, improvements were made in accordance with safety recommendations. This year's events will likely result in additional modifications. This particular race is prima facie dangerous. But even knowing that and accepting those risks will never replace the beautiful animals who are sacrificed to it even while they give those of us who view them the thrill of a lifetime.