Despite a photo finish, a great way to end the race for the fans and onlookers, two horses had to be put down again this year. Neptunes Collonge's nose just wins the race over Sunnyhillboy in the photo below. And he is only the third gray horse to ever win the race.
UK Daily Mail photo
But with only a few fences to go in the race, what appeared to be a great day at the races, ended up in tragedy, again. Gold Cup winner Synchronised threw its rider before the race and was later reunited with his jockey before the race only to die a few minutes later. He fell after jumping the infamous Becher's Brook. The horse was clearly rattled before the race but had won the prestiguous Cheltenham Gold Cup a few weeks earlier, so he was certainly up to the task.
(UK Daily Mail photo)
(Jonjo O'Neill with Synchronised in the lead up to the race, Daily Mail Photo)
The horse carried on racing without his rider for five more fences before falling and breaking a hind leg. Another horse, According to Pete, fell when jumping Becher's Brook the second time and colliding with another horse. It was put down after breaking a shoulder.
Needless to say, there are calls from all corners to try and make the race safer.
Another view of the fall:
(UK Daily Mail Photo)
Since 2000, 10 horses have died in the race including the two on Saturday.
Trainer Paul Nicholls with his Grand National winner on Sunday, a 33 to 1 shot.
(Telegraph Photo)
how awful. I understand that the race is very prestigious, but 10 horses! That is unacceptable.
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