A jockey competing in the Randox Grand National has received a 10-day ban after stewards ruled he failed to pull up his rapidly tiring horse, Top Of The Bill, before it fell at the final fence.
Toby McCain-Mitchell, making his debut in the Aintree contest, was sanctioned following an inquiry into the incident involving the 10-year-old gelding.
McCain-Mitchell, grandson of legendary trainer Ginger McCain, who famously trained Red Rum, was riding Top Of The Bill, trained by Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies. The horse had been prominent early in the four-and-a-quarter-mile race but began to tire significantly before coming down at the last obstacle.
The stewards’ report stated: “An inquiry was held to consider whether Toby McCain-Mitchell, the rider of Top Of The Bill, who fell at the last fence, should have pulled the gelding up, having been in a prominent position before weakening rapidly.
“The rider and the veterinary officer were interviewed and recordings of the incident were viewed. Having considered the evidence, McCain-Mitchell was suspended for 10 days for failing to pull up when the horse had tailed off.”
Despite the fall, Top Of The Bill was able to walk back to the racecourse stables for veterinary assessment. He was one of three horses undergoing checks after falls during the race.
Willie Mullins-trained Quai De Bourbon fell at the second fence, while Sara Bradstock’s Mr Vango came down at the sixth. Both horses were transported back to the stables via horse ambulance for further assessment.
A statement from the track confirmed: “Top Of The Bill fell at the final fence and was assessed on course. He was walked back to the stables where he will remain under assessment.
“Quai De Bourbon walked onto the horse ambulance, having been assessed, following his fall at the second fence and has returned to the stables for further assessment.
“Mr Vango walked onto the horse ambulance following his fall at the sixth fence, having been assessed, and has returned to the stables for further assessment.”
Jockey Robbie Dunne, riding the Gordon Elliott-trained Stellar Story, was taken to hospital for further treatment after falling at the 19th fence.
Aintree’s statement added: “Jockey Robbie Dunne was assessed on course by the medical team. He is conscious and talking and is being taken to hospital for further assessment. All remaining horses and riders are accounted for.”
Earlier in the day, there was an equine fatality when Get On George had to be euthanised after sustaining an injury on the flat in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle.
