WILLY DE HOUELLE suffered a fatal injury at the Grand National.
And jockey Rachael Blackmore was taken into an ambulance following the fall.
GettyWilly De Houelle – pictured in 2024 – suffered a fatal fall at Aintree[/caption]
PARachael Blackmore was riding the four-year-old[/caption]
Willy De Houelle was racing in the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle on day one of the festival at Aintree.
The four-year-old gelding tumbled early on, dismounting Blackmore.
Naturally Nimble ridden by JJ Slevin also went down during the race but both are understood to be okay.
Paul Townend took the victory on board Murcia for Willie Mullins, pulling clear of Live Conti and Harry Skelton.
Willy De Houelle was owned by Rich Riccu and trained by Mullins.
But ITV presenter Ed Chamberlain confirmed the sad news that the horse had not survived.
He said: “More now on our last race I’m afraid.
“News has filtered through that Willy De Houelle, I’m afraid, suffered a fatal injury in that race.
“Our thoughts with the Richis, we hope Rachael is okay and Willie Mullins, that will take the gloss off of him winning that contest.
“That’s sad news coming out of the Juvenile Hurdle.”
Chamblerlain also updated racing fans on Blackmore’s condition.
He added: “Rachael Blackmore walked into the ambulance, looked pretty sore doing so.
“Hopefully she will be okay.”
News of Willy De Houelle’s fatality came moments after news of another death.
Ancient Truth suffered a fall earlier in the week and unfortunately did not recover.
Fans took to social media to express their sadness and condolences at the “awful news”.
One wrote: “Incredibly sad news regarding both Willy De Houelle and Ancient Truth.”
Another said: “RIP Willy De Houelle. Absolutely gutted and hope Rachel Blackmore is okay and safe.”
Blackmore, 35, is the only female jockey to win the main event at Aintree.
She triumphed with Minella Times in 2021.
In Saturday’s Grand National, the 2022 Gold Cup champion jockey is set to ride 2021 Gold Cup-winning horse Minella Indo for Henry de Bromhead.
Facts about the Grand National
EVERY year the Grand National sees millions of racing fans tune in to soak up the action.
The first Grand National took place in 1839, with a horse named Lottery winning the race.
Obstacles like Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn are renowned for their difficulty and have become iconic in the racing world.
Red Rum is celebrated for winning the Grand National three times (1973, 1974, 1977) and finishing second twice (1975, 1976).
In 1977, Charlotte Brew became the first woman to ride in the Grand National, breaking gender barriers in the sport.
Rachael Blackmore made history in 2021 as the first female jockey to win the Grand National, riding Minella Times to victory.
An estimated 500 to 600million viewers watch the race worldwide.
The race covers about 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps.
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