A second horse has died at Aintree Festival after Get on George was “humanely euthanised” following the second race on Saturday, the William Hill Handicap Hurdle.
Gold Dancer died after winning the Mildmay Novices’ Chase on Friday.
Get On George pulled up during its race and was treated on the track before being put down.
ITV presenter Ed Chamberlin announced the news on the live broadcast, saying: “Aintree say he was assessed on course by their expert veterinary team and it was decided the best course of action for the horse’s welfare was for him to be put down. It’s described as humanly euthanised.
“They say their heartfelt condolences are with connections. We echo that, to the Parkinsons, the Smiths – Sue Smith actually owns the horse as well. I always try and get the groom’s name as you know and it’s Riley, Paul Riley, who know has to deal with that. Our deepest sympathies to you all.”
Wade Out won William Hill Handicap Hurdle ahead of Eagle Fang, Chart Topper and Supremely West, after jockey Gavin Sheehan had missed the opening days of the festival due to a ban.
Steps have been taking to improve safety in recent years, with changes to fencing material to make them more forgiving, and the lowering of certain hurdles.
Fatalities have decreased but continue to mar the event. Two horses, Willy De Houelle and Celebre D’Allen, died at last year’s Festival.
Campaign Manager on Horse Racing at Animal Aid, Isobel McNally, said: “Every year we are amongst multiple groups who warn that events like this will result in death, and every year jockeys, trainers, and owners choose their own profits over horses’ lives. Make no mistake, Get On George’s death hurt, it was entirely predictable and preventable, yet multiple people chose to let this happen when they chose to run this race. It’s time to take horse’s lives seriously and end horse racing.”
