Trainer Sara Bradstock Issues Positive Update on Mr Vango's Condition After Grand National Fall
Mr Vango, the popular gelding who fell at the sixth fence during the Randox Grand National at Aintree, remains under veterinary care at Leahurst Equine Hospital. His trainer, Sara Bradstock, has provided a cautiously optimistic update, expressing hope that the ten-year-old chaser will make a full recovery despite sustaining a small avulsion fracture in his neck.
Injury Details and Veterinary Assessment
Bradstock confirmed that Mr Vango suffered a fracture in his neck, but she was keen to stress that the injury is not near the vertebrae, which is a positive sign for his prognosis. "We have to thank God and hopefully with a bit of a following wind he will make a full recovery," she told the Press Association. The horse was one of three from the 34-strong field to undergo expert veterinary assessment in the racecourse stables immediately after departing the race.
The trainer emphasised that Mr Vango is receiving meticulous care, including the company of his Shetland pony companion. A CT scan is planned to ensure no additional injuries have been overlooked. "If the CT shows we haven't missed anything, he could be home by the middle of the week," Bradstock added, noting that the horse is moving around normally and appears content.
Potential Return to Racing
Bradstock remains hopeful that this incident might not mark the end of Mr Vango's racing career. "There's every chance he will be back next season," she stated, though she acknowledged the need for the chip off the wing of his vertebrae to settle appropriately. The Grand National had long been a target for the stamina-laden chaser, who previously came close in the Becher Chase over the same fences in December.
Regardless of his racing future, Bradstock assured that Mr Vango will be well looked after, with a potential retirement home alongside his friend Coneygree if necessary. "They would be some posse as they both think they are the king," she remarked with affection.
Other Horses Assessed After Falls
Two other horses from the Grand National field also required veterinary attention following their falls. Top Of The Bill, trained by Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, fell at the final fence, resulting in a ten-day ban for his jockey, Toby McCain-Mitchell, for failing to pull up when the horse had tailed off. However, the training team reported on Sunday morning that Top Of The Bill is "absolutely A1," having trotted up sound with a normal heart rate.
Willie Mullins' Quai De Bourbon, who fell at the second fence, was assessed and scheduled to return home overnight post-race. The Twiston-Davies stable also confirmed that their other runner, Beauport, who unseated his rider Sam Twiston-Davies, is in good condition. These updates provide some relief in what is always a high-stakes and physically demanding event.
The Grand National, held at Aintree, is renowned for its challenging fences and unpredictable outcomes, often leading to injuries among both horses and jockeys. This year's race saw I Am Maximus secure a second victory, but the focus for many has shifted to the welfare of those who did not complete the course.
Bradstock's detailed account of Mr Vango's care highlights the rigorous protocols in place for equine welfare in top-level racing. Her presence at the hospital alongside her daughter, who is brushing the horse, underscores the personal commitment trainers often have to their animals. As the racing community awaits further results from the CT scan, hopes remain high for Mr Vango's recovery and potential return to the track next season.
