For many, the Grand National is a chance to dress up or have a flutter on the runners and riders.
Jockeys and their horses train intensively to race in the competition, although last year’s event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, animals rights charities have drawn attention to the number of fatalities at Aintree – a shocking number over the 182 years it has been running.
If you’re concerned about the ethics of the sport, read on to find out how many horses have died at the Grand National.
How many horses have died at the Grand National?
Since the first Grand National in 1839, 83 horses have died during the event.
Around 40 of those deaths took place between 2000 and 2012.
According to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), steeplechasing events have an average of 4 deaths per 1,000 horses taking part, although this average is higher at Aintree.
The grisly demise of both Brown Trix and Seeandem at the infamous Becher’s Brook fence in 1989 led to changes at the racecourse.
The jump is described as the ‘most thrilling and famous fence in the horse racing world’ by the Grand National.
Since then, hurdles have been lowered, and inclines made less steep, but many within the community think these alterations have actually led to jockeys taking more risks.
However, since the first Grand National in 1839, only one jockey has lost their life.
On March 12, 1862, O’Connell’s rider Joseph Wynne suffered fatal injuries when another horse, Playmate, caused a pile up when it fell at the Chair – a formidable obstacle at a height of 5’3” and preceded by a 6’ open ditch.
Playmate landed on top of Wynne, crushing his breastbone and knocking him unconscious. The jockey died at 8pm that evening without ever regaining consciousness.
How many horses died at the Grand National 2019?
One horse died at the main Grand National race in 2019, named Up For Review.
Ridden by jockey Danny Mullins, the animal was brought down at the first fence by another fallen horse.
Up For Review was the first to be killed in the steeplechase since the deaths of Synchronised and According to Pete in 2012.
The tragic scene was quickly covered from view as Tiger Roll won the competition for the second year in a row.
The Ladies Day event on Friday saw two other horses die after falling during their races.
Forest des Aigles broke its leg when jumping a fence, while Crucial Role also fell during the course, and both horses were later put-down because of their injuries.
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