Grand National horse Willy De Houelle dies as Rachael Blackmore has scary fall

Willie Mullins suffered a huge blow on the first day of the Grand National Festival on Thursday after Willy De Houelle suffered a fatal fall. The champion trainer had made a spectacular start to the meeting by winning the first three races.

Impaire Et Passe won the opening Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase and then the well-backed Murcia took the Boodles Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle, both ridden by Paul Townend. In the third, the Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase, Gaelic Warrior score for Mullins although his other runner Embassy Gardens was pulled up early in the race.

In the second race the grey Willy De Houelle, ridden by Rachael Blackmore in the Susannah Ricci silks took a heavy fall four hurdles out.

A shaken Blackmore got back to her feet to be helped into the ambulance but Willy De Houelle could not be saved after suffering a fatal injury on the hurdles course.

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A spokesperson for Aintree Racecourse said: "Willy De Houelle was immediately attended by a team of expert veterinary professionals during the second race but sadly sustained an injury as a result of a fall.

"In their assessment, it was concluded that the best course of action for the horse’s welfare was for him to be humanely euthanised. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections."

Willy De Houelle had won one of his four starts since joining Mullins from France and had finished 11th in JCB Triumph Hurdle at the . He was a 12-1 chance on Thursday.

Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin said: “I’m afraid Willy De Houelle suffered a fatal injury in that race.

“Our thoughts with the Riccis, we hope Rachael is okay and for that will take the gloss off him winning that contest. That’s sad news coming out of the juvenile hurdle.”