Post-mortem findings have revealed that Grand National horse Celebre D'Allen died from a severe bacterial respiratory infection that developed after the race, rather than directly from his collapse during the event.
The 13-year-old, who was pulled up after the final fence at Aintree before collapsing on the track, succumbed to complications when the infection led to sepsis.
The British Horseracing Authority released the findings today following examination by Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons.
The post-mortem report, which was shared with the trainer and owner before being released publicly, stated that the "exercise-associated episode experienced by the horse after the race had concluded by the time of death".
Celebre D'Allen died days after collapsing at the Grand National
PAInstead, a severe bacterial respiratory infection known as pleuropneumonia occurred after the race.
This infection led to the horse's deterioration on Monday evening, with the subsequent onset of sepsis likely being a key factor in the cause of death.
The infection caused harmful substances to be released into the bloodstream from bacteria.
Celebre D'Allen had initially shown promising signs of recovery after receiving treatment overnight at Aintree.
The horse was subsequently transferred to a nearby stud farm for further care.
"He received the very best treatment by the veterinary teams and was improving," the stable announced on its X account.
However, his condition took a dramatic turn for the worse on Monday evening.
"He deteriorated significantly last night and could not be saved," the stable added in their heartfelt statement.
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Medical evidence from the post-mortem revealed crucial timing details about the infection.
Blood tests taken on the day of the race showed no signs of infection, confirming it developed afterwards.
Further blood tests conducted on Monday indicated a severely compromised immune system.
These concerning indicators had not been present in the samples taken during the race.
The heart pathology examination found no significant issues that could have contributed to the horse's death.
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Celebre D'Allen had undergone thorough veterinary checks before the racePACelebre D'Allen, a 125-1 outsider for the Grand National, had led the field with three fences to jump before tiring rapidly.
His jockey Micheal Nolan was handed a 10-day suspension after stewards ruled he had "continued in the race when the horse appeared to have no more to give".
The 13-year-old, trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, was pulled up on the run-in after weakening quickly.
The race was ultimately won by Patrick Mullins riding Nick Rockett.
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Celebre D'Allen post-mortem findings summary:
— British Horseracing Authority (@BHAHorseracing) April 10, 2025
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The BHA confirmed that the circumstances surrounding Celebre D'Allen's death are "being reviewed in detail", as is standard procedure with any fatality.
The post-mortem findings form just one part of this comprehensive review process.
Additionally, the Grand National itself is "always reviewed in detail after every running of the race" by both the BHA and the Jockey Club.
The BHA noted that 24 thirteen-year-old horses have competed in the Grand National since 2000, with no previous fatalities.
