First horse dies at Grand National 2024 after fall during Ladies Day

The Grand National meeting has suffered its first fatality in 2024.

Giovinco, who was trained by two-time Grand Naitonal winner Lucinda Russel, lost his life in the first race on Friday. The seven-year-old gelding was taking part in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices' Chase and was three lengths down before falling at the last fence.

He was treated by vets on the track for an extended time, however, he could not be saved from his severe injuries. "Giovinco suffered what proved to be a fatal injury" said ITV Racing host Ed Chamberlain.

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"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 had won five of his nine starts and finished third in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Russell will saddle last year's winner and big race favourite Corach Rambler in the Randox Grand National on Saturday.

An Aintree Racecourse spokesperson said: "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 clinched by the 6-4 favourite, Inothewayurthinkin, leading a one-two finish for owner J P McManus.