Three horses have died at the Grand National festival this year, following the death of Hill Sixteen after falling at the first fence of the Grand National. PETA stated that 36 horses had died at the Grand National festival since 2010. More than 13,000 people had signed Animal Rising’s petition to ban the Grand National ahead of this year’s festival. Aintree was picketed by 150 animal rights protestors holding placards such as “You bet, they die” and “Protect animals, cancel the Grand National”. The protests meant that the pre-parade and national anthem were cancelled and the Grand National, scheduled to start at 5.15 pm, began at 5.29 pm.

Source: The Guardian April 16, 2023 13:19 UTC