Grand National horse dies tragically after suffering fatal injury as animal group release furious statement

Callum Vurley
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:26:47 +0000

A six-year-old racehorse named Get On George was humanely put down this afternoon after sustaining a fatal injury during the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Aintree.

The gelding, trained by Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith, pulled up after losing his action around a bend in the race, which took place on the final day of the Grand National Festival.

Jockey Jack Tudor swiftly dismounted the horse on course, where veterinary staff conducted an assessment before determining that euthanasia was the most appropriate course of action for the animal's welfare.

This marks the second equine death at this year's festival, following Gold Dancer's passing on Friday after the Mildmay Novices' Chase.

ITV presenter Ed Chamberlin interrupted his broadcast to deliver the sombre news to viewers, offering sympathies to those connected with the horse.

"Aintree say he was assessed on course by their expert veterinary team and it was decided the best course of action for the horse's welfare was for him to be put down," Chamberlin announced during the coverage.

The broadcaster extended condolences to the Parkinson and Smith families, noting that Sue Smith was also an owner of the horse.

Chamberlin made particular mention of groom Paul Riley, acknowledging the personal loss faced by those who cared for Get On George daily.

Animal Aid's Campaign Manager on Horse Racing, Isobel McNally, condemned the death as avoidable and called for the sport's abolition.

"Every year we are amongst multiple groups who warn that events like this will result in death, and every year jockeys, trainers, and owners choose their own profits over horses' lives," McNally stated.

"Make no mistake, Get On George's death hurt, it was entirely predictable and preventable, yet multiple people chose to let this happen when they chose to run this race. It's time to take horse's lives seriously and end horse racing."

The animal welfare organisation also posted on social media, questioning how many more lives must be lost before racing ends.

The RSPCA described the loss as "incredibly sad," noting that Get On George's death represents the 43rd competitive horse racing fatality in Britain this year alone, despite it being only April.

The charity highlighted that 26 horses have perished at the Grand National Festival over the past decade.

Whilst acknowledging improvements made to safety at Aintree in recent years, the RSPCA stated that the fatalities on both Friday and Saturday "indicate these measures are not yet adequately protecting horses from serious risk."

The Jockey Club has implemented various changes including stricter qualification criteria, enhanced veterinary checks, and a reduction in the Grand National field size from 40 to 34 runners.