Celebre D’Allen, who collapsed after running in the Randox Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, has died after his condition deteriorated overnight.
Trained in partnership by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, the 13-year-old was a 125-1 shot under Micheal Nolan and was pulled up after the final fence before then collapsing on the racecourse.
After receiving treatment on course, he walked into the horse ambulance and was taken to the racecourse stables for further assessment.
Joint-trainer White said the veteran was “very much going the right way” on Sunday following an overnight stay at Aintree and he was later moved to a nearby livery yard to continue his recovery.
However, speaking on Tuesday morning, 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.”
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.”
Jockey Nolan received a 10-day ban for his ride.
The British Horseracing Authority [BHA] said: “An enquiry was held to consider whether Micheal Nolan, the rider of Celebre D’Allen, had continued in the race when the horse appeared to have no more to give and was clearly losing ground after the second-last fence.
“The rider and the Veterinary Officer were interviewed, and recordings of the incident were viewed. The rider was suspended for 10 days.”
The acting chief executive of the BHA, Brant Dunshea, added: “All of us at the BHA are saddened to learn of the death of Celebre D’Allen following Saturday’s Randox Grand National. It has been clear to see since Saturday afternoon just how much the horse meant to his connections and we send our condolences to them today.
“As with all runners in the Grand National, Celebre D’Allen was provided with a thorough check by vets at the racecourse. 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 horses’ 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.”
