Two horses, Top Of The Bill and Quai De Bourbon, were thoroughly assessed by veterinary teams after their respective falls during the dramatic Grand National at Aintree. The race, a highlight of the jump racing calendar, was ultimately won by the favourite I Am Maximus, but the event was marred by several incidents involving both equine and human participants.
Veterinary Assessments for Fallen Horses
Top Of The Bill, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and ridden by jockey Toby McCain-Mitchell, was a 66/1 outsider when he fell at the final fence of the gruelling contest. ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin provided reassuring updates to viewers, confirming that the ten-year-old gelding was initially evaluated on the course before being reported as "up and walking" shortly after the incident.
Meanwhile, Quai De Bourbon, a seven-year-old trained by Willie Mullins and partnered by Donagh Meyler, fell much earlier in the race as a 33/1 shot. Chamberlin stated that this horse walked onto a horse ambulance under his own power to be transported to the stables for a more detailed veterinary examination. ITV Racing also noted that another runner, Mr Vango, was being assessed in the stables after falling during the race.
Jockey Hospitalised Following Serious Fall
In a concerning development for the racing community, jockey Robert Dunne was hospitalised after a heavy fall from his mount Stellar Story. ITV reported that Dunne was conscious and able to speak as he was transported for further medical treatment, though the full extent of his injuries remains unclear at this time.
I Am Maximus Claims Second Grand National Victory
The race itself was won in impressive fashion by I Am Maximus, owned by JP McManus and ridden to victory by jockey Paul Townend. Sent off as the 9/2 favourite, the horse successfully regained the Grand National crown he last won in 2024.
An elated Townend praised his mount's toughness and stamina in the post-race interview, stating: "He's tough, isn't he? The cheekpieces definitely helped. I got into a nice rhythm and the cheekpieces helped me in the middle of the race. I saw the one gone in front and I wasn't going to be the one chasing him. I was able to get a lead to the Elbow. He's a really, really good horse. He'd gallop to the end of the world for you. Grand Nationals and Gold Cups are the pinnacle of our sport – and we got them both!"
The victory marked a significant achievement for connections, with I Am Maximus joining an elite group of horses to have won the Grand National on multiple occasions.
