Horse racing boss confirms 'painstaking analysis' into horse deaths at Grand National

The chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has vowed to carry out “painstaking analysis" to work out what caused the deaths of three horses at the Grand National meeting.

Sandy Thompson’s Hill Sixteen suffered a fatal fall at the first fence in the National yesterday – which was delayed by around 15 minutes after animal activists got on to the track.

It came after the deaths of Dark Raven earlier in the afternoon and Envoye Special on Thursday.

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“Our thoughts are with everyone connected to the horses who suffered fatal injuries this week," said Julie Harrington, chief executive of the BHA.

"No one will be more affected by this news than the trainers, owners and stable staff who have provided these horses with first-class care and attention throughout their lives.

“The BHA and Aintree racecourse will now analyse the races in painstaking detail, as is the case every year, to build on our existing data and help us understand what caused these incidents.

“British racing works tirelessly to improve the sport’s safety record and reduce avoidable risk. Every incident is reviewed by the BHA alongside the racecourse and other bodies. As a sport we have for years shown great determination and commitment to improve welfare standards by taking measured scientific, evidence-based, regulatory and education-based steps.

“It is for this reason that the fatal injury rate in the sport has reduced by over 1/3 in the last 20 years, to 0.2% of runners.”

Ms Harrington also “robustly condemned” the actions of the protestors who delayed the National.

Reflecting on the disruption, she said: “We respect the right of anyone to hold views about our sport but we