Celebre D’Allen, the 125-1 long shot in the Grand National race on Saturday, has sadly passed away. Trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, the 13-year-old horse led the pack with three fences remaining but was overtaken before the second-to-last fence. He was eventually pulled up and collapsed while being led back by the veterinary team.
Despite initial hopes for his recovery, Celebre D’Allen’s condition deteriorated, leading to his passing. The stable announced the sad news, expressing their sorrow over the loss of the beloved horse. Co-trainer Johnson White mentioned that despite the best care, Celebre D’Allen’s health took a sudden turn for the worse.
Another horse, Broadway Boy, who suffered a heavy fall during the race, has returned to Nigel Twiston-Davies’s stables with no reported injuries. A statement from Aintree Racecourse expressed deep sadness over Celebre D’Allen’s passing, highlighting the strong bond between the horses and their caretakers in the racing community.
BHA acting chief executive Brant Dunshea acknowledged the tragic news and reaffirmed the rigorous vetting process all Grand National runners undergo before the race. He mentioned the thorough health checks and care provided to Celebre D’Allen after his collapse, emphasizing the commitment to horse safety in racing.
The incident involving Celebre D’Allen will be thoroughly reviewed by the BHA and Aintree Racecourse, including a post-mortem examination to understand the circumstances better. Dunshea emphasized the continuous efforts to enhance safety measures for horses in races, reflecting the utmost respect and dedication to their well-being.