Horse Deaths at Grand National Highlight Urgent Need for Reform

The Grand National is often seen as the biggest horse race of the calendar year. It is a beloved sporting event watched by millions across the UK and proudly rooted in Liverpool’s history. It has long been considered a British institution. But this past weekend, it was stained by tragedy, and once again, the spotlight turned toward the darker side of the sport.

Embed from Getty Images

What Happened at the 2025 Grand National?

One of the most shocking moments came with the death of Celebre D’Allen, a 13-year-old horse pushed to its limits on a hot day and a fast track. This wasn’t just a tragic accident to many — even lifelong racing fans. It was animal cruelty, plain and simple.

Running a veteran horse in such extreme conditions raises serious ethical questions. When the result is fatal, someone must be held accountable. That responsibility will weigh heavily on the jockey’s conscience — and many would say rightly so.

Embed from Getty Images

However, focusing solely on one individual will risk letting the wider sport off the hook. Because it’s not just about one rider’s decision — it’s about the rules, culture, and oversight that allowed it to happen in the first place. If a 13-year-old horse in sweltering conditions can legally be entered into a race this demanding, then something is clearly broken.

This isn’t about scapegoating. It’s about ensuring the entire system evolves to protect the animals. That means reviewing race conditions, implementing age limits, enforcing more substantial penalties, and aligning the sport with the values it claims to uphold.

A History of Tragedy

Since the year 2000, 67 horses have died at Aintree. That’s not a series of isolated incidents. That’s a damning pattern. The risks remain unacceptably high despite rule changes and safety measures introduced over the years. This year, viewers also watched in horror as Broadway Boy suffered a terrifying fall. While he thankfully returned to the stables safely, it was a stark reminder of the dangers these animals face every time they’re sent over a jump.

And when the response to reckless riding is a 10-day ban, what message does that send? For many, it’s not just insufficient — it’s insulting. It suggests that the safety of these animals is an afterthought rather than a priority.

It’s Time for New Rules

You can love horse racing and still care deeply about animal welfare. These positions are not mutually exclusive. It’s not a case of banning all horse racing versus accepting cruelty. There’s a middle ground, and it starts with modernising the rules.

• Set age limits: Celebre D’Allen was 13 — clearly too old for such an extreme race. Age caps need to be enforced for high-risk events.

• Increase penalties for dangerous riding: A 10-day ban isn’t enough. Stricter consequences will encourage more responsible conduct.

• Review track conditions: Racing on fast ground in high temperatures dramatically increases the danger. These factors must be taken seriously.

• Enhance veterinary transparency: Let the public know how horses are assessed before and after races.

Embed from Getty Images

While ITV presented glowing coverage, repeatedly telling viewers how well the horses were cared for, we watched potential tragedies unfold in real time. The contrast between the reality on the track and the carefully crafted PR messaging couldn’t have been starker.

Addressing the Counterargument

Embed from Getty Images

Some argue the Grand National has already changed too much. Safety measures have been introduced, fences lowered, and the number of runners reduced. It’s true: the sport has evolved. But clearly, not enough.

Reform critics also say horses can get injured anywhere — in the wild, on farms, even while walking down roads. That’s true, too. But racing is a controlled environment. We are complicit if we knowingly send horses into danger and do little to prevent it.

Conclusion: The Grand National Must Change

The Grand National is more than just a race — it’s a tradition. But tradition cannot come at the cost of animal welfare. The death of Celebre D’Allen should not be dismissed as just another accident. It should be a turning point.

If we continue down this path—where 67 horses have died at one venue alone since 2000—then the question becomes not if racing will lose public trust but when.

We have already seen a declining viewership of the Grand National, dropping from 8.8 million to 5.2 million in just five years. Some will blame this drop in viewers on the earlier start time, but it could also be due to public concern.

Loving horse racing and demanding better for the horses are not in conflict. In fact, they should go hand in hand. It’s time the sport caught up with the values of those who support it.

Only then can the Grand National truly live up to its name.