Grand National horse dies after collapsing on racecourse
A jockey was banned for racing Celebre D'Allen when the horse had "no more to give"
Last updated 8th Apr 2025
A Grand National horse has died after being raced when he had "no more to give", according to a stewards' report.
Celebre D'Allen collapsed on the racecourse after pulling up following the final fence during Saturday's race.
The horse walked into an ambulance afterwards, with organisers at Aintree claiming his condition was improving.
But trainers Philip Hobbs and Johnson White posted an update on Tuesday morning (08 April), which said D'Allen's condition had "deteriorated" overnight.
The trainers said: "We’re heartbroken to share that Celebre D’Allen has passed away. He received the very best treatment by the veterinary teams and was improving.
"However, he deteriorated significantly last night and could not be saved.
"He was a wonderful horse and we will all miss him greatly."
Jockey Michael Nolan was given a 10-day suspension after the race, with a stewards' report saying he continued to ride when the horse had "no more to give".
Aintree Races posted a statement on X, which read: "Celebre D'Allen was a much loved member of Philip and Johnson's team and all of us at Aintree are deeply saddened by today's news.
"Those who look after British racings equine athletes every day have a unique bond with their horses and provide the very best care imaginable.
"Our thoughts are with everyone connected to Celebre D'Allen."
Ben Newman, from the anti-racing campaign group Animal Rising said: "The blame for his death lies not with any individual, but with the “sport” of horse racing itself.
"Again and again, we see horses pushed far beyond their limits, to the point of injury, collapse, and death."