Grand National jockey Robbie Dunne is facing a month on the sidelines after sustaining a broken collarbone in a dramatic fall during the prestigious Randox-sponsored event at Aintree Racecourse. The incident occurred on Saturday when Dunne was unseated from the 33-1 chance Stellar Story at the 19th fence of the 30-jump marathon.
Fall and Immediate Medical Response
Dunne's fall took a serious turn when the Gordon Elliott-trained chaser, Stellar Story, rolled onto him on the landing side of the spruce obstacle. On-course medical professionals swiftly attended to the jockey, who was conscious and talking after the accident. He was subsequently transported to Fazakerely Hospital in Liverpool for scans to assess the extent of his injuries.
Recovery Timeline and Support
Dunne's agent, Neil Popham, confirmed the diagnosis, stating that the jockey is "a bit stiff and sore" but was able to leave the hospital on Saturday night, picked up by a family member. Popham added that Dunne is expected to be out of action for approximately four weeks. During this period, he will work with rehabilitation staff at Oaksey House in Lambourn to expedite his return to racing.
The race itself was won by the Willie Mullins-trained favourite, I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend. This victory marked a historic achievement, as I Am Maximus became the first horse since Red Rum in the 1970s to carry top weight and reclaim the Grand National crown.
Race Statistics and Other Incidents
Dunne was one of 14 riders who fell or were unseated during the gruelling four-and-a-quarter-mile course, with an additional four jockeys pulling up their mounts. This left only 16 horses and jockeys to complete the race. Among the other notable finishers were owner JP McManus's horses, Iroko in second place and Johnnywho in fourth, with Jordans securing third.
Condition of Other Horses
While Top Of The Bill and Quai De Bourbon returned to their stables after further assessment, the chaser Mr Vango remains in Leahurst Equine Hospital with a neck fracture. Trainer Sara Bradstock expressed optimism about his recovery, noting that the horse is "moving around normally" after initial concerns. Bradstock and her daughter, groom Lily, are closely monitoring his progress.
Stellar Story, a Grade One winner at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, was competing in a race beyond 3 miles and 2 furlongs for the first time. Despite the fall, the focus remains on Dunne's recovery and the broader safety discussions in horse racing following such high-profile incidents.
