Grand National 2026: Aintree horse Gold Dancer suffers fatal injury while winning race

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The racehorse Gold Dancer has been put down after suffering a fatal injury while winning the Mildmay Novices’ Chase on Ladies Day at Aintree.

Gold Dancer had managed to stay on its feet following an awkward landing on the final fence, with the 100-30 joint-favourite under Paul Townend crossing the line ahead of Regent’s Stroll by four and three-quarter lengths.

It was immediately clear, however, that Gold Dancer had suffered a serious injury when the horse made a mistake going over the final fence.

Paul Townend and trainer Willie Mullins walk from the course (Getty Images)

The seven-year-old, trained by Willie Mullins, received on-course treatment by the Aintree veterinary team after crossing the line. But it was then confirmed that Gold Dancer had been put down.

“Unfortunately he broke his back and they put him down,” said Eddie O’Leary of Gigginstowns, the horse’s stud.

“Paul said he made one mistake and he felt nothing and he kept going to the line no problem. It was just when he pulled up, unfortunately.

“It was an unbelievable performance, he jumped brilliantly bar one little mistake. It’s a hollow victory now, the poor horse didn’t deserve that.”

A statement from Aintree Racecourse said: “The winner of our second race of the day, Gold Dancer, was pulled up after the line and dismounted.

Gold Dancer after crossing the final hurdle (Action Images via Reuters)

“He was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary team but sadly he could not be saved. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.”

Last year, Celebre d’Allen died a few days after racing in the Grand National at Aintree, with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) ruling that the 13-year-old was ridden “when the horse appeared to have no more to give and was clearly losing ground” after the penultimate fence.

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