Updates regarding the health status of three horses that were injured during falls at the Grand National have been disclosed. The horses named Mr Vango, Top Of The Bill, and Quai De Bourbon required evaluations after falling during the race held at Aintree, near Liverpool.
On Sunday morning, Sara Bradstock, the trainer of Mr Vango, expressed optimism about the horse’s recovery despite sustaining an avulsion fracture in the neck. Mr Vango, who fell at the sixth fence, was moved to Leahurst Equine Hospital for treatment and observation. Sara Bradstock mentioned that although the horse has a minor avulsion fracture in the neck, it is not near the vertebrae, and they are hopeful for a full recovery.
Bradstock emphasized the meticulous care Mr Vango is receiving at the hospital and mentioned plans for a CT scan before bringing him back home. She reassured that they are being cautious and will not take any risks, but the horse is in stable condition and accompanied by a Shetland pony during recovery.
Despite the incident, Sara Bradstock remains positive that Mr Vango might return to racing in the future, contingent on the positioning of a chip off his vertebrae. She highlighted the horse’s current state of wellbeing and the forthcoming CT scan results that will provide more insights into his recovery process.
Another horse, Top Of The Bill, owned by Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, was also examined post his fall at the final fence. Additionally, jockey Toby McCain-Mitchell received a 10-day suspension for not halting the horse when it was far behind during the race.
Top Of The Bill’s trainer, Willy Twiston-Davies, confirmed the horse’s good condition and normal heart rate after the incident. He also mentioned that another horse from their stable, Beauport, was unharmed after throwing off the rider during the Aintree race.
Willie Mullins’ horse, Quai De Bourbon, was the third horse evaluated following a fall at the second fence. The horse was set to return home after the race for further care and observation.
For those interested, coverage of The Masters tournament will commence on April 6, available for live viewing through Sky’s Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering various channels including Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, and Hayu.