US EditionGrand National Meeting: Gold Dancer Put Down After Winning Novices' Chase
The Willie Mullins-trained horse won by four and three-quarter lengths before a broken back proved fatal, officials and connections said.
- On Friday, April 10, 2026, Gold Dancer suffered a fatal injury while winning the William Hill Mildmay Novices' Chase at the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree, dying shortly after crossing the finish line under jockey Paul Townend.
- During the race, Gold Dancer engaged in a thrilling duel with Regent's Stroll before stumbling at the final fence; he stayed on his feet to win by four and three-quarter lengths but suffered a broken back during the closing stages.
- Gigginstown House Stud racing manager Eddie O'Leary confirmed the horse was put down, calling it a "hollow victory" and stating the horse felt fine until pulling up despite the "unbelievable performance."
- Animal rights group Animal Aid and the League Against Cruel Sports issued statements criticizing the sport; chief executive Emma Slawinski called Gold Dancer "the latest victim of this heartless spectacle" and urged a public boycott.
- The Jockey Club, which organizes the Aintree Festival, reports the 10-year fatality rate at the Grand National has reduced by over a third while maintaining it works continuously to minimize event risks through ongoing welfare investments.
39 Articles
39 Articles
Two dead horses once again cast a shadow over the Grand National in Aintree. Especially dramatic is the case of "Gold Dancer", who no longer experienced his victory celebration.
LIVERPOOL— A seven-year-old horse had to be sacrificed on Friday after breaking his back in the last obstacle of a Grand National obstacle race that he won despite suffering the serious injury. This occurred after the death of four horses at the Cheltenham Festival in March, including one after the prestigious Gold Cup. Gold Dancer competed in the Mildmay Novices' Chase race during the Ladies Day of the Aintree Grand National Festival. The horse…
At the Grand National Meeting in Aintree, the seven-year-old gelding "Gold Dancer" is put to sleep after his victory. The case again sparks criticism from animal protectors who demand a boycott of the Grand National and government intervention.
Oskaloosa Herald
Horse is euthanized after breaking its back but still winning a Grand National steeplechase race
A seven-year-old horse had to be euthanized after breaking its back on the final fence of a Grand National steeplechase race that it won despite suffering the serious injury. It follows the death of four horses at the Cheltenham Festival…
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