Willie Mullins' Gold Dancer Dies After Winning Mildmay Novices' Chase At Aintree

Gold Dancer was put down after suffering a broken back while winning the Mildmay Novices' Chase.

“- Published Gold Dancer had to be put down after suffering a broken back when winning the Mildmay Novices' Chase on day two of the Grand National Meeting at Aintree”

BBC

The horse clipped the final fence and dragged his hind legs before crossing the finish line.

BBC

Jockey Paul Townend rode the stricken horse across the finish line before dismounting.

Owners Gigginstown confirmed the death, stating it was terribly sad for the horse.

Animal welfare campaigners condemned the sport, with the League Against Cruel Sports saying horses die for entertainment and a cheap bet.

Paul Townend was defended by talkSPORT's Lizzie Kelly.

The BHA stewards' report detailed an enquiry into Townend's riding.

Daily Express

Townend explained Gold Dancer made a bad mistake but ran on to the winning line where he felt sound.

It was only when rounding the bend that the horse's action changed and Townend dismounted.

The Jockey Club's data shows the average number of fallers has halved throughout their history.

The death of Gold Dancer intensified scrutiny of horse racing's safety record.

“A horse has been put down at Aintree Racecourse, shortly after winning the second race of Ladies' Day”

Daily Mail

Animal Aid called for a boycott of the sport.

The League Against Cruel Sports demanded government action.

The death came less than a year after two horses died at the same festival.

The Guardian noted the audit system was fundamentally broken.

Gold Dancer was the 100-30 joint-favourite.

The horse was owned by Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud.

GB News

Miami Magic and Jordans Cross both fell but returned safely.

The prize money for winning the race was £67,524.

The Jockey Club claims to continuously minimize risks at its events.