Tragedy on Grand National Day as horse Seedling falls at hurdle and dies

The novice hurdler, Seedling died instantly after he hit and somersaulted over a large jump as he took part in the Mersey Novices Hurdle.

horse-1
1

He tragically fell at the second to last on the third day of races at Aintree.

Thirteen other horses were entered into the race and all finished comfortably.

Some 39 horses raced in the Crabbie’s Grand National where they were expected to jump 30 fences.

This year supporters of national campaign group Animal Aid led a protest against the death and injury of horses in such races.

Campaigners scaled the 4th plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square to wrap Gift Horse, by Hans Haacke, in a banner that reads: “Horse Racing: You bet, they die.”

It aimed to draw attention to the dangers faced by race horses, claiming 40 horses have died at the three-day Grand National meeting since 2000.

This year all 39 horses are said to be fine following the tough race despite a number of falls and only 19 horses finishing, according to Channel Four which broadcast the race.

Share link: