Grand National horse that 'had no more to give' dies after jockey banned

Celebre D’Allen, who collapsed after running in the Grand National on Saturday, has passed away. A 125-1 chance for the big races he was one of two horses who required veterinary attention in the immediate aftermath when it was hoped he would make a full recovery.

Trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, the 13-year-old had led the field with three fences to jump, but he was headed before the second last and pulled up on the run-in after tiring. He then collapsed whilst being walked in by the veterinary team on the home straight.

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A Jockey Club statement said: “Following a period of assessment and treatment, which caused the sixth and seventh races of the day to be slightly delayed, he walked onto the horse ambulance which returned to the racecourse stables for him to be assessed further.”

His jockey Micheal Nolan appeared before stewards who held an inquiry to consider whether he had continued to race when the horse appeared to have no more to give and was clearly losing ground after the second last fence. He was suspended for ten days.

Prospects had appeared much brighter for Celebre D’Allen after a night under observation in the racecourse stables..

But on Tuesday the sad news was broken by the stable that he had died. “We’re heartbroken to share that Celebre D’Allen has passed away,” the stable announced on its X account.

“He received the very best treatment by the veterinary teams and was improving. However, he deteriorated significantly last night and could not be saved. He was a wonderful horse and we will all miss him greatly.”

Co-trainer White said: “He had the best possible care, but he just took a downturn overnight and very sadly he’s passed away.

“It’s gutting for everyone here (at the yard), it’s very quiet here this morning as you can imagine.”

Broadway Boy, who was also treated on course after taking a heavy fall, has returned to Nigel Twiston-Davies's stables. There were no other casualties.

A statement issued by Aintree Racecourse read: “Celebre d’Allen was a much-loved member of Philip and Johnson’s team and all of us at Aintree are deeply saddened by today’s news.

“Those who look after British racing’s equine athletes every day have a unique bond with their horses and provide the very best care imaginable. Our thoughts are with everyone connected with Celebre d’Allen.”

BHA acting chief executive Brant Dunshea said the regulator was "saddened" by the news.

“As with all runners in the Grand National, Celebre d’Allen was provided with a thorough check by vets at the racecourse," he said. "This health check includes a trot up, physical examination of limbs to check for any heat, pain or swelling, and listening to the heart to check for any murmur or rhythm disturbance.

“This marks the final step in an extensive process of checks to ensure a horse’s suitability to race in the National, which also includes a review of veterinary records and assessment by a panel of experts to consider a horse’s race record and suitability to race. As part of this process the horse would also have been examined by the trainer’s own vet on the two occasions, a month apart.

“Celebre d’Allen received treatment from the team of expert vets after pulling up and then collapsing towards the end of the race. Having been immediately attended to by the teams on site, he was given all the time he needed to respond to treatment on course before being transported back to the first-class veterinary facilities at the racecourse stables, where he remained overnight, continuing to receive care and attention. He subsequently travelled to a nearby stud which was connected to the horse’s owners on Sunday, having shown improvement overnight.

“The BHA and Aintree racecourse will analyse the race and this incident in detail, as is the case every year and with every fatal injury in any race. This will include the horse being sent for post-mortem."

Dunshea added: "Prior to Saturday’s race there had been no fatal injuries in the previous nine races run over the Grand National course since the 2023 National.

“The steps we have taken to improve safety over the years reflects the great respect we have for our horses, and our commitment to their safety.”