Grand National horse died from ‘infection and sepsis’

Grand National runner Celebre d’Allen died from a respiratory infection which developed after his collapse in the race.

The 13-year-old horse developed a “severe bacterial respiratory infection” that resulted in the onset of sepsis as the horse’s immune system was “severely compromised” after running on Saturday.

Post-mortem examinations concluded that an “exercise-associated episode” which led the 13-year-old to collapse was no longer a factor by the time of his death on Tuesday.

The horse – who collapsed after jumping the last in Saturday’s showpiece – died of complications linked to pleuropneumonia (a lung infection), although blood tests taken on the day of the race showed no presence of the virus. Vets believe it is not possible to separate the emergence of the secondary problem from his run at Aintree.

A statement from the British Horseracing Authority said: “The findings of the post-mortem state that the exercise-associated episode experienced by the horse after the race had concluded by the time of death.

“However, a severe bacterial respiratory infection [pleuropneumonia] had occurred post-race which led to the horse’s deterioration on Monday evening, with the subsequent onset of sepsis or endotoxaemia [the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream from bacteria] likely to have been a key factor in the cause of death.

“Blood tests taken from the day of the race indicate that the infection had not been present in the horse on race day, and was therefore developed after the race.”

After initially showing signs of recovery, Celebre d’Allen’s condition “deteriorated significantly” and he died on Tuesday.

Micheal Nolan, Celebre d’Allen’s rider, was handed a 10-day suspension after Aintree stewards ruled he 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”.

But the post-mortem examination found that the effects of the incident had “concluded by the time of death”.

The infection resulted in the onset of sepsis, which is “likely to have been a key factor” in the cause of death.

Blood tests taken on the day of the race indicated that the infection had not been present in the horse on race day.

The BHA said the post-mortem was just “one part” of their reviewing process of any fatality. Celebre d’Allen was a 125-1 shot at the National, won by jockey Patrick Mullins on Nick Rockett.

Celebre d’Allen’s death prompted criticism from animal-rights activists, with Animal Rising and Animal Aid attacking the sport for allowing him to run aged 13.

The BHA said there had been 24 13-year-old horses since 2000 who have competed in the Grand National, with no previous fatalities.

There was also concern at the Grand National for Broadway Boy, who suffered a heavy fall at the 25th fence while leading the race.

Vets and staff rushed to the scene and it was confirmed on Sunday that, although the horse was “stiff and sore”, he was “travelling home” safely.

National-winning jockey suspended

Winning jockey Mullins was also banned this week after being handed an eight-day suspension for overuse of the whip on the run to the finish line.

Mullins, who led home a one-two-three for father and trainer Willie Mullins, was found to have used the whip eight times after the last fence, one more than the permitted seven in jumps racing.

His ride was referred to the Whip Review Committee, who elected to sanction the amateur jockey for breaching the limit, and he will be suspended for eight separate days including April 23 and 25.