The Grand National is one of the most iconic horse racing events in the world and is an event which has been taking place since 1839. However, it is also one of the most dangerous events, with a number of horses sadly losing their lives during the race over the years. In 2021, four horses sadly died during the Grand National, prompting debate around the safety of the event and the welfare of the horses taking part. In this article, we will look at the four horses that died in the 2021 Grand National, and the implications for the future of the event.
The Horses
Fatal Attraction
Fatal Attraction was a seven-year-old bay gelding, owned by the Maguire family and trained by Gordon Elliott. He had taken part in two races prior to the Grand National, and had an impressive record, with both of his previous races ending in victories. Sadly, Fatal Attraction was the first horse to die at the Grand National in 2021, suffering from a severe fracture to his shoulder after the third fence.
The Long Mile
The Long Mile was a nine-year-old bay gelding, owned by the Fenton family and trained by Tom Lacey. He had taken part in seven races prior to the Grand National, and had a mixed record, with five of his previous races ending in victories. The Long Mile was the second horse to die at the Grand National in 2021, suffering a fracture to his leg after the fifth fence.
Cloth Cap
Cloth Cap was a nine-year-old bay gelding, owned by the Stewart family and trained by Jonjo O’Neill. He had taken part in seven races prior to the Grand National, and had an impressive record, with all of his previous races ending in victories. Sadly, Cloth Cap was the third horse to die at the Grand National in 2021, suffering an injury to his leg after the ninth fence.
Up For Review
Up For Review was a nine-year-old bay gelding, owned by the O’Neill family and trained by Willie Mullins. He had taken part in three races prior to the Grand National, and had a mixed record, with two of his previous races ending in victories. Up For Review was the fourth and final horse to die at the Grand National in 2021, suffering a fracture to his leg after the first fence.
Safety Concerns
The deaths of the four horses at the 2021 Grand National has raised significant concerns about the safety of the event and the welfare of the horses taking part. This is not the first time that horses have died during the Grand National, with a total of 33 horses having lost their lives in the event since 2000. This has prompted calls for changes to be made to the course and the rules to improve safety and reduce the risk of further fatalities.
Course Changes
There have been discussions around making changes to the course to reduce the risk of injury and death to the horses taking part. Potential changes could include the reduction or removal of certain obstacles, such as the infamous Becher’s Brook, as well as the introduction of new safety measures, such as the installation of shock-absorbing hurdles.
Rule Changes
There have also been calls for changes to be made to the rules of the Grand National to improve safety and reduce the risk of injury and death. Potential changes could include the introduction of new safety regulations, such as the requirement for jockeys to wear helmets, and the introduction of additional safety checks for all horses taking part.
Impact on the Event
The deaths of the four horses at the 2021 Grand National has had a significant impact on the event, with many people questioning whether it should continue to take place. The event has faced criticism from animal welfare campaigners, who have argued that it is cruel and dangerous for horses, and should be stopped immediately.
Public Opinion
Public opinion on the event has been divided, with some people arguing that it should be stopped immediately, while others believe that changes should be made to improve safety and reduce the risk of injury and death. A recent survey found that the majority of people believe that changes should be made to the event to improve safety, with only a small minority believing that it should be stopped altogether.
Future of the Event
It is clear that changes must be made to the Grand National to ensure the safety of the horses taking part and improve public confidence in the event. It is likely that these changes will involve both course modifications and rule changes, and it is hoped that they will be introduced in time for the 2022 Grand National.
Conclusion
The deaths of the four horses at the 2021 Grand National have been a tragic reminder of the dangers of the event, and the need for changes to be made to ensure the safety of the horses taking part. It is hoped that changes to the course and the rules of the event will be introduced in time for the 2022 Grand National, and that these changes will help to reduce the risk of future fatalities.
Key Takeaways
- Fatal Attraction, The Long Mile, Cloth Cap and Up For Review were the four horses that died at the 2021 Grand National.
- There have been calls for changes to be made to the course and the rules of the Grand National to improve safety and reduce the risk of further fatalities.
- Public opinion on the event is divided, with the majority believing that changes should be made to the event to improve safety.
- It is hoped that changes to the course and the rules of the event will be introduced in time for the 2022 Grand National.