Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore has been taken to an ambulance while her horse Willy De Houelle has died following a terrible fall at Aintree.
The racing festival has been underway in the north of England ahead of the Grand National taking place on Saturday.
The pair were racing in the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle on the opening day of action before the afternoon took a sad turn.
Willy De Houelle took a fall on the back straight of the hurdle race and it left Blackmore dismounted and left on the grass of the track.
Trained by Willie Mullins, it has been confirmed that the four-year-old has died due to the fatal accident.
Blackmore was said to have received treatment on the track but later reports stated she was seen walking to an ambulance.
The Tipperary woman is due to compete in the Grand National this Saturday on board Minella Indo, having previously won the race in 2021 with Minella Times.
Thursday's accident also saw Naturally Nimble ridden by JJ Slevin go down but the pair are said to be okay.
The race was ultimately won by Paul Townend with Murcia, also trained by Mullins.
Following the race, ITV presenter Ed Chamberlain gave an update, saying: ‘News from the last race, JJ Slevin I’m pleased to say is absolutely fine, likewise Naturally Nimble.
"Rachael Blackmore walked into the ambulance, did look pretty sore doing so. So hopefully she will be okay…’
He later added: ‘Good news from the weighing room Rachel Blackmore is okay – she is a tough cookie.’
*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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