Grand National Festival horse Get On George has tragically been put down after the 1.20pm William Hill Handicap Hurdle today.
ITV host Ed Chamberlin paused his broadcast to say: “Sorry for looking at my phone while you guys were talking there but it is the news about Get On George. He was pulled up and quickly dismounted.
“Aintree say he was assessed on course by their expert veterinary team and it was decided the best course of action for the horse’s welfare was for him to be put down. It’s described as humanly euthanised.
“They say their heartfelt condolences are with connections. We echo that, to the Parkinsons, the Smiths – Sue Smith actually owns the horse as well. I always try and get the groom’s name as you know and it’s Riley, Paul Riley, who know has to deal with that. Our deepest sympathies to you all.”
The horse is the second fatality of the week after Gold Dancer was euthanised yesterday. The nine-year-old suffered a broken back when winning the Mildmay Novices’ Chase and was put down after collapsing post-race.
Two horses, Willy De Houelle and Celebre D’Allen, died at last year’s Aintree Festival.