Gold Dancer, a seven-year-old horse, was euthanized on Friday after sustaining a fatal injury during the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree. The horse collapsed after crossing the finish line, having broken its back after the final fence.
This incident occurs less than a month after four horses died at the Cheltenham Festival, prompting renewed criticism from animal welfare organizations. The League Against Cruel Sports has called for government intervention, citing the frequency of horse deaths at major racing events and urging boycotts of the Aintree Festival.
Officials from the British Horseracing Authority stated that jockey Paul Townend was unaware of the injury during the race, as the horse appeared to recover normally after the jump. Vets immediately attended to Gold Dancer upon him being pulled up, leading to the decision to euthanize.