Gold Dancer Euthanized After Aintree Race Victory

A seven-year-old horse named Gold Dancer was euthanized on Friday after suffering a broken back during a victory in the William Hill Mildmay Novices Chase on the second day of the Randox Grand National meeting at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. The incident occurred despite the horse crossing the finish line four lengths ahead of runner-up Regents Stroll, ridden by jockey Paul Townend for trainer Willie Mullins and owners Gigginstown House Stud.

Gold Dancer produced a strong performance throughout the Grade One race, jumping cleanly for most of the three-mile course. The trouble began at the final fence, where the gelding hit the obstacle and sprawled on landing, briefly losing momentum. Townend, a seven-time Irish champion jockey, regained control and urged the horse forward for the final furlong, securing the win and a first prize of 67,524 pounds. Witnesses noted the horse appeared to run straight and sound to the line, with no immediate signs of distress.

Moments after passing the post, however, Gold Dancer's action changed as Townend rounded a bend toward the pull-up area. The horse slowed from a canter to a trot, prompting Townend to dismount immediately....