First Grand National 2024 death at Aintree as beloved Giovinco suffers fatal fall in opening race

The Grand National 2024 has been marred by the tragic death of Giovinco, who suffered fatal injuries in a fall at Aintree.

The unfortunate incident occurred on the eve of the £1 million race. Giovinco, trained by two-time Grand National winning trainer Lucinda Russell, met his untimely end during the first race on Friday. The seven year old gelding was participating in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices' Chase and was making a promising challenge in fifth place when he fell at the last fence.

Despite immediate attention from vets on the track, Giovinco could not be saved from his injuries. "Giovinco suffered what proved to be a fatal injury" announced ITV Racing host Ed Chamberlain. "Our condolences to the owners, to Steven Mulqueen and Lucinda Russell. Poor Lucinda, such a great ambassador for the sport, she will be hurting badly right now", reports the Mirror.

Giovinco, who had won five of his nine starts, had previously finished third in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He was racing on Aintree's Mildmay course. Russell is set to saddle last year's winner and big race favourite Corach Rambler in the Randox Grand National on Saturday.

An Aintree Racecourse spokesperson expressed their condolences, stating: "During our first race of the day, Giovinco fell at the last fence and was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary professionals."

"After assessment, sadly they concluded the necessary course of action for the horse's welfare was to put him to sleep. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections."

The race was won by 6-4 favourite Inothewayurthinkin who led home a one-two for owner J P McManus.

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