Animal Aid statement on Grand National 2022 deaths: death toll stands at four

Our fears that horses might die during the Grand National meeting have distressingly come true. The three-day meeting, claimed the lives of four innocent horses. This spectacle really is a national disgrace.

Eclair Surf, an 8 year old bay gelding, has become the second horse to die as a result of the Grand National race itself, and the fourth horse to die as a result of the three day meeting.

The majority of the coverage, including that from ITV who broadcast the event, continues to focus on the winner of the race and ‘glamour’ of the event. There is almost no acknowledgement of the loss of horse’s lives, or if there is, the mention is fleeting. While this is disappointing, it is unsurprising, as we see the same year after year.

This year’s festival has been tainted by the deaths of four horses. Solwara One, an 8-year-old gelding died following the 1.45 race on Friday at Aintree. Elle Est Belle, a 6 year-old mare died after the second race on the final day of the meeting. The French-bred horse, Discorama, a 9-year-old gelding, suffered an injury to his rear leg during the Grand National race and was confirmed dead on Saturday evening.

Jade Emery, Campaign Manager at Animal Aid, has the following statement on the event:

‘What we have seen this year at the Grand National is inexcusable. Despite the frequency of deaths, no meaningful action is taken to protect horses. This race is a national disgrace, and it is now time for this event became a thing of the past. In 2022, we need to stop accepting animal lives being sacrificed for entertainment.’  

Take action

• Write to your MP and ask them to sign EDM 807
• Send a message asking ITV to stop broadcasting horse racing