Get On George Dies During Second Race at Aintree’s Grand National

Get On George, a six-year-old racehorse, was put down after being pulled up in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle. The incident happened during the second race of the final day at Aintree’s Grand National festival. Jockey Jack Tudor dismounted quickly and the horse was assessed before the decision to euthanise was taken.

Race incident

The horse reportedly lost his action around a bend and failed to recover. Medical staff and on-course vets examined him immediately. The decision to put him down was made on welfare grounds.

Earlier fatality at the meeting

This was the second death at the festival. Gold Dancer was put down after winning the Mildmay Novices’ Chase on Friday, 10 April.

Statistics and wider context

Animal Aid tallies show 69 equine deaths at the Aintree Festival since 2000. Seventeen of those deaths occurred after competing in the Grand National itself.

The RSPCA said the death of Get On George is part of a worrying wider trend. It described the loss as the 43rd competitive horse-racing fatality in the UK so far this year.

Decade figures highlighted

The charity added the festival has seen 26 fatalities over the last decade. It called for stronger safety measures for horses on and off the track.

Responses from welfare groups

Emma Slawinski, chief executive at the League Against Cruel Sports, criticised the event. She urged the public and businesses to boycott the festival and refuse to place bets.

The RSPCA said it continues to engage with the racing industry. It acknowledged safety improvements, but said recent deaths on 10th and 11th April show more action is needed.

What happened at Aintree

The death of Get On George during the second race at Aintree’s Grand National meeting has renewed calls for reform. Campaigners want meaningful changes to reduce risk and improve equine welfare.