Gold Dancer, a seven-year-old racehorse, was euthanized after sustaining a catastrophic injury while winning the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree's Grand National Meeting.
The horse, ridden by jockey Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, was the 10-3 favorite in the race. Leading the field, Gold Dancer cleared the final fence but appeared to drag his back legs upon landing. Despite the apparent distress, Townend rode him to a four-length victory over Regent's Stroll.
Immediately after crossing the finish line, Townend pulled the horse up, dismounted, and veterinary teams rushed to the scene. Screens were erected around the animal for assessment. Tragically, the injury—a broken back—was deemed untreatable, and the decision was made to put Gold Dancer down.
"He's been put down. He broke his back. It's terribly sad for the horse," said a statement from owners Gigginstown. "What could Paul Townend do? He felt fine, it was just when he pulled up that something was wrong."
James Given, the British Horseracing Authority's director of equine health and welfare, provided a detailed account of the incident from the official inquiry.
"The horse jumped and slipped and lost his back end. He came up very quickly and took one half stride to get organised and galloped away... I was able to watch front on and behind—the horse stayed as straight as an arrow... It was only when they went past the finishing line... that the action changed and Paul became aware. He immediately jumped off... I don't believe Paul was able to notice that injury at all."
The death has reignited criticism from animal welfare groups. Emma Slawinski, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, issued a stark condemnation.
"Year after year we see horses dying at Aintree for people's entertainment and a cheap bet. Sadly, Gold Dancer is the latest victim of this heartless spectacle... The government needs to act as the British Horseracing Authority and Jockey Club is prioritising gambling profits over the lives of the horses."
This incident follows the deaths of two horses, Willy De Houelle and Celebre D'Allen, at last year's Aintree Festival, raising continued concerns about safety in the sport.