Aintree horse Get on George has been put down after pulling up in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle on Saturday afternoon.
The six-year-old gelding was put down on the course after suffering a broken near-hind fetlock, a joint in the rear left leg.
A total of 69 horses have now died at Aintree Festival since 2000 and this latest tragedy came just a day after the death of Gold Dancer, who had won the William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Chase just moments before.
Dene Stansall, the Horse Campaign Lead at Lawyers For Animals, said of Get on George’s passing: ‘Yet again a horse is killed at the Aintree Grand National Meeting.
‘There is a Duty of Care and a requirement for the Prevention of Suffering under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, given the unprecedented number of horses killed at this meeting (69 since the year 2000) the question arises is this being breached?’
Get on George was trained by Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith and jockeyed by Jack Tudor, who pulled him up after losing his action around the bend.
Veterinary experts examined the gelding on the course before deciding to put him down immediately.
Aintree Racecourse said: ‘Get on George was assessed on course by our expert veterinary team and it was decided the best course of action for the horse’s welfare was for him to be humanely euthanised. Our heartfelt condolences are with connections.’
Get on George is the second fatality of this year’s festival after Gold Dancer, who won the second race on Ladies’ Day.
He fell at the final hurdle, but recovered to limp over the line to victory. The six-year-old was being ridden by Paul Townend, who continued to whip the horse after its fall. The prize money for winning the race was £67,524.
Gold Dancer, who was trained by Willie Mullins, looked on course to claim victory by a few lengths but slowed once it fell. Immediately after crossing the line, Townend dismounted, and vets rushed to give treatment.
Screens were put up around the horse, before news of his death was confirmed.
An Aintree Racecourse statement read: ‘The winner of our second race of the day, Gold Dancer, was pulled up after the line and dismounted.
‘He was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary team but sadly he could not be saved. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.’
More to follow.
