Animal rights group PETA release statement condemning Grand National after race-winning horse dies

Callum Vurley
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:03:56 +0000

Gold Dancer, a seven-year-old gelding trained by Willie Mullins and owned by Gigginstown House Stud, was euthanised this afternoon following a catastrophic spinal injury sustained whilst claiming victory in the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree.

The horse, ridden by Paul Townend, crossed the finish line four and three-quarter lengths ahead of Regent's Stroll despite suffering the fatal injury after an awkward landing at the final fence.

The 100-30 joint-favourite remained upright to complete the three-mile contest on Ladies Day, but it became apparent something was gravely wrong when his hind legs dragged along the ground following the obstacle.

PETA has responded to the tragedy by demanding the abolition of Britain's most famous steeplechase.

Elisa Allen, the animal rights organisation's Vice President of Programmes, declared: "Britain must call 'time of death' on the Grand National or rename it for what it is, the Grand Massacre."

The campaign group asserts that Gold Dancer's death brings the total number of horses killed at the Aintree festival to 68 since the turn of the millennium.

PETA's intervention comes as the racing world mourns another loss at an event that has faced sustained criticism from animal welfare advocates in recent years.

Eddie O'Leary of Gigginstown confirmed the devastating news, stating: "Unfortunately he broke his back and they put him down."

The owner described the victory as "hollow," adding: "It's terribly sad for the horse. The poor horse didn't deserve that."

Willie Mullins on Gold Dancer's tragic passing at Aintree pic.twitter.com/FpYEBY6J4M
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 10, 2026

Jockey Townend reportedly felt nothing amiss during the race itself, with O'Leary explaining: "Paul said he made one mistake and he felt nothing and he kept going to the line no problem. It was just when he pulled up, unfortunately."

Aintree Racecourse issued a statement confirming their veterinary team attended to Gold Dancer immediately but "sadly he could not be saved."

Beyond the immediate tragedy, PETA's statement levelled broader accusations at the racing industry, claiming approximately 200 horses perish annually across British racecourses from cardiac events, devastating falls, and other severe injuries.

Allen further alleged that horses who survive their racing careers face uncertain futures, with many "abandoned, thrust onto rescues, or slaughtered for meat when their profitability wanes."

The organisation's vice president concluded: "Horses are sensitive, intelligent individuals who deserve to live free from being whipped, raced, and ridden just so some syndicate or already-wealthy individual can make more money off them."

The British Horseracing Authority has yet to respond to PETA's demands.