Eclair Surf euthanised after Grand National injury

Emma Lavelle was left heartbroken after Eclair Surf died on Sunday morning as a result of injuries suffered in his fall in Saturday's Randox Grand National.

The eight-year-old was among the leading contenders for the Aintree showpiece, having won the Classic Chase at Warwick before chasing home last week's Scottish National heroine Win My Wings in the Eider at Newcastle.

Eclair Surf looked likely to miss out on a place in the Grand National field earlier in the week, but unexpected defections meant he came off the reserve list.

Cruelly, however, he had a heavy fall at the third fence and while he was stabilised on course and walked onto transport back to the racecourse stables, he was later referred to Leahurst Equine Hospital and his deteriorating condition overnight led to him being euthanised on welfare grounds.

"We were optimistic when he left the track, but during the night he just got more and more wobbly and as he got more distressed it wasn't the right thing to do to keep going," said Lavelle.

"He was in the right place for those decisions to be made and the team both at the races and at the hospital were great.

"You kind of sit there and think of the ifs and buts and why nots, but you can't sit and think that.

"It's a real gutter for everybody - his owners and the team. He was an exciting horse for the future, but what can you say?"

Chris Proudman, veterinary advisor to Aintree Racecourse, said: "We were sad to learn that Eclair Surf had to be put to sleep this morning.

"After his fall yesterday he was stabilised on course before walking onto transport back to the stables. Following further veterinary evaluation he was referred to Leahurst Equine Hospital last night.

"Everything possible will have been done for him and