Animal rights organisations have criticized the Grand National after a horse leading the race suffered a grim fall and a second collapsed shortly after. Broadway Boy, a seven-year-old horse, took a sickening fall at the 25th jump, while Celebre D’Allen, a 100-1 runner aged 13, collapsed during the race. The lack of information provided about the welfare of these horses has been criticized as despicable by animal rights groups.

The race winner, Nick Rockett, finished two and a half lengths ahead of I Am Maximus, the favorite. Last year, new safety measures were implemented to reduce fatalities, but this year saw a fatal fall in the second race. Animal rights organizations have condemned the lack of care shown towards the horses in the race, with one charity calling it “welfare-washing” at its most insidious.

Spectators and viewers have criticized the event as shameful and disgusting, with many expressing their heartbreak over the falls of the horses. The lack of information provided by the racing industry and the official broadcaster, ITV, has been condemned, with viewers only receiving updates on the horses’ conditions half an hour after the race’s finish.