North Yorkshire tragedy at Grand National (From York Press)
Get in touch: send your photos, videos, news & views by texting YORK to 80360 or send an email»
North Yorkshire tragedy at Grand National
7:44pm Saturday 14th April 2012 in News
THERE was tragedy at the Grand National today, when North Yorkshire horse "According to Pete" and pre-race favourite Synchronised both died.
It is the second time in as many years that two horses have died in the Aintree event.
Both horses today fell at the sixth fence, Becher's Brook.
According to Pete was bred and reared in Helperby and owned by Peter Nelson, who had told The Press last week of his high hopes for today.
Synchronised fell at the same fence, having earlier unseated jockey Tony McCoy in the build-up.
In total, only 15 of the 40 runners ended the race, the 165th Grand National, which was narrowly won by 33-1 shot Neptune Collonges, ridden by Daryl Jacob.
Sunnyhillboy finished second and Seabass third.
Julian Thick, managing director of Aintree Racecourse, has been quoted as saying: “We are desperately sad at these two accidents and our sympathies are with the connections of both.
“Since last year’s race we have made further significant changes to the course and there have been four races run over the course without serious incident since then. After today, we will, as always, be looking at all aspects of this year’s race to see how we can improve safety further."
