Gold Dancer put down after winning at Aintree

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Gold Dancer was the 10-3 favourite for the Mildmay Novices' Chase

ByCharlotte CoatesBBC Sport journalist at Aintree

Published46 minutes ago

Gold Dancer had to be put down after suffering a broken back when winning the Mildmay Novices' Chase on day two of the Grand National Meeting at Aintree.

The horse dragged his back legs through the final fence when leading Regent's Stroll and was ridden out to win by four lengths under Paul Townend for trainer Willie Mullins.

Gold Dancer was immediately pulled up after crossing the finish line, with Townend dismounting and screens erected for veterinary experts to assess and treat the horse but the seven-year-old was put down.

Owners Gigginstown said: "He's been put down. He broke his back. It's terribly sad for the horse.

"What could Paul Townend do? He felt fine, it was just when he pulled up that something was wrong."

Emma Slawinski, chief executive at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: "Year after year we see horses dying at Aintree for people's entertainment and a cheap bet. Sadly, Gold Dancer is the latest victim of this heartless spectacle, which flies in the face of animal welfare.

"The public and businesses should boycott the Aintree Festival, refuse to bet on the racing, and stop watching the ITV coverage and advertising which glosses over the animal cruelty.

"The government needs to act as the British Horseracing Authority and Jockey Club is prioritising gambling profits over the lives of the horses."

Two horses, Willy De Houelle and Celebre D'Allen, died at last year's Aintree Festival.

Grey Dawning wins Melling Chase

In the feature race of day two, Harry Skelton rode 5-1 shot Grey Dawning to victory in the Melling Chase for his older brother Dan Skelton.

After his win in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham Festival, Heart Wood was the 6-5 favourite, but could only manage third place at Aintree.

With last year's winner Jonbon not running, the field was open and jockey Skelton said aggressive riding "definitely helped" Grey Dawning hold off second-placed Solness by a neck.

He added: "This win will mean an awful lot to his owner, Robert Kirkland, because his wife very sadly passed away, and I'll dedicate this race to her.

"She was a tremendous lady and Robert has been an unreliable supporter of Dan and I since we started out and it's lovely to repay him with a good winner.

"Hopefully this will just lift his spirits a little bit and help him through a tough period of his life."