Two horses die in falls during Ladies Day at Aintree just a day before the Grand National
- Crucial Role had a fatal accident during the Betway Mildmay Novices on Friday
- Forest Des Aigles died later in the Randox Health Topham Handicap Chase
- Jockey Barry Geraghty was also rushed to Liverpool Hospital after a tumble
Two horses have died in Ladies Day races at Aintree just a day before the start of the Grand National.
Crucial Role, ridden by Harry Skelton, had to be put down after an accident during the Betway Mildmay Novices this afternoon.
Forest Des Aigles died later in the day in the Randox Health Topham Handicap Chase when it fell with Derek Fox on board, the Mirror reported.
Crucial Role (pictured), ridden by Harry Skelton, had a fatal accident during the Betway Mildmay Novices this afternoon
The eight-year-old horse ‘had to be put down’ after it broke its leg on the final jump of the chase, ITV racing confirmed.
It said: ‘We’ve been passed the desperately sad news we were fearing.
‘After falls in the Betway Mildmay Novices’ and in the Randox Health Topham Handicap Chase, Crucial Role and Forest des Aigles have both had to be put down’
ITV Racing confirmed the two horses ‘had to be put down’ on Twitter on Friday afternoon
‘Our deepest condolences to connections of both horses.’
Jockey Barry Geraghty was also rushed to Liverpool Hospital on Friday with a suspected fracture to his leg after a fall in the Topham Chase.
The jockey had been riding Peregrine Run when he tumbled over the Grand National fences.
Mark Enright was also taken to hospital after a fall from Call It Magic at the Canal Turn.
Forest Des Aigles, ridden by Derek Fox, died later in the day in the Randox Health Topham Handicap Chase (Pictured, Mark Enright and Derek Fox fall from Call it Magic and Forest Des Aigles)