Tragedy struck at the Grand National yesterday as Willy De Houelle suffered a fatal fall during the second race of the prestigious meeting.
The four-year-old horse, owned by Rich Ricci and trained by Willie Mullins, fell during the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle.
Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore, who was riding Willy De Houelle, required urgent medical attention following the incident.
Blackmore was seen being taken into an ambulance looking visibly in pain after the fall.
Rachael Blackmore was forced into an ambulance after the fall
PA
However, officials later confirmed that the jockey was okay following the horrific accident.
The incident has cast a shadow over the day's racing at Aintree.
Willy De Houelle had settled at the rear of the field before struggling at the third hurdle.
The horse then suffered what ITV presenter Ed Chamberlin described as a "horror fall" at the sixth hurdle, sustaining fatal injuries.
Chamberlin informed viewers: "Rachael Blackmore walked into the ambulance, looked pretty sore doing so. Hopefully she will be okay."
He later delivered the sad news: "News has filtered through that Willy De Houelle, I'm afraid, suffered a fatal injury in that race. Our thoughts with the Richis, we hope Rachael is okay and Willie Mullins, that will take the gloss off of him winning that contest."
Another horse, Naturally Nimble, also fell but was reported to be unharmed.
Investment banker Rich Ricci had purchased Willy De Houelle only last September, adding the promising young horse to his prestigious racing portfolio.
The horse had previously competed in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival last month.
Willy De Houelle has tragically died after the fall
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Ridden by Brian Hayes on that occasion, Willy De Houelle finished 11th in a field of 17 starters.
Despite this tragedy, trainer Willie Mullins did secure his third victory of the day when Gaelic Warrior won the subsequent Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase.
This success, however, was undoubtedly overshadowed by the loss of the young horse.
The incident follows the earlier death of Ancient Truth, who suffered a fatal fall earlier in the week.
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R.I.P Willy De Houelle (FR), just four years old, killed at The Grand National Meeting today. This takes the death-toll of this cruel ‘festival’ up to 66 horses killed since 2000. 💔 pic.twitter.com/UMkZHJgCRT
— Animal Aid (@AnimalAid) April 3, 2025
Animal Aid has issued a strong call for a ban on jump racing following the death of Willy De Houelle.
In a statement, the organisation said: "Willy De Houelle, just four years old, was killed in the second race today after suffering a horrific fall. The death toll of this event is now 66 horses killed since 2000."
The group highlighted the dangers of the Grand National meeting, describing it as "lethal for horses".
They added: "National Hunt or 'jump' racing has killed more than 3,000 horses since 2001. This is why we are calling for a ban on jump racing, with the cruel Cheltenham and Aintree festivals being the first to go."
