Hill Sixteen dies during Grand National becoming third horse to pass

Hill Sixteen has been put down at Aintree Racecourse after suffering injuries in the Grand National. Sandy Thomson’s gelding fell at the first, with the obstacle being omitted on the second lap.

Hill Sixteen was treated on the course but the veterinary team were unable to come to his rescue. The 10-year-old was an 80/1 shot for the race, though the team were hopeful of a big run given that their stable star had raced over the extended trip previously.

The Jockey Club released a statement that read: “Sadly, while racing in the Grand National, Hill Sixteen sustained an unrecoverable injury. Our sincere sympathies are with connections. Recite A Prayer and Cape Gentleman were assessed on course by our skilled veterinary staff and walked onto the horse ambulance for further assessment in the stables.”

Hill Sixteen’s passing is the third of the Aintree Festival, with Dark Raven being put down earlier in the day after falling in the 15.00. Envoye Special passed away on Friday after falling in the Randox Foxhunters’ Chase after running loose.

Tributes poured in online to connections of Hill Sixteen as well as the Thomson team, with tensions already running high after the Grand National was delayed for 15 minutes due to protestors breaking into the course. Several activists from the Animal Rising campaign group managed to scale fences and stick themselves to obstacles, though the intruders were promptly dealt with by police and locals.

Nine protestors, who aimed to have the entire race cancelled, were arrested over the course of the day. One woman was arrested in Greater Manchester for plotting the disturbance, with a man and woman arrested outside of the course after protestors gathered to hold signs and rally to the growing crowds at Aintree. Six activists were able to make their way onto the track to cause the delay, and they were all arrested as well.

Corach Rambler won the eventual running of the race for the Lucinda Russell team, with jockey Derek Fox giving the gelding a superb ride to hit the front before the elbow and cruise to victory. The victor was popular among punters, with the Scottish-based horse being backed into favouritism before the off following back-to-back wins in the Ultima at Cheltenham.