Eclair Surf has sadly turn into the fourth horse to lose their life consequently of the Grand National after it was announced on Sunday morning that the eight-year-old had passed away. Eclair Surf fell on the third fence at Aintree, and was transferred to Liverpool University’s equine hospital.
The horse had sustained serious injuries, and his trainer Emma Lavelle took to social media to write down: “We’re very sad to report that having sustained a traumatic head injury in yesterdays Grand National, Eclair Surf lost his fight this morning.
“He was taken care of on the racecourse by a team of top notch vets before being transferred to Liverpool university missed terribly. who treated him all night, nonetheless very sadly it was to not be.
“He was an incredibly special horse, loved by everyone and he shall be missed.”
The news comes after Solwara One, Elle Est Belle and Discorama also died over the course of the four-day festival. It has led to renewed calls from animal charities for tightened rules around races.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) Director Elisa Allen told the Each day Mail: “There isn’t any such thing as a “harmless flutter”, as horses often pay with their lives. Eclair Surf’s death was predictable and avoidable, and it’s proof – not that any more was needed – that the Grand National have to be put out to pasture.
“If human high jumpers or runners died like this in competitions, organisers and trainers could be charged with murder, yet people still place bets on horse races and switch a blind eye to the hideous abuse these sensitive animals are subjected to.
“The horses aren’t volunteers: they’re forced to hop over hazardous obstacles and run at breakneck speeds around a course that’s deliberately and recklessly designed to be dangerous.
“The exhausted animals are pushed to – and past – their breaking point to line bookies’ pockets, and after they turn into too sick or old to be profitable, many are slaughtered for food.
“Anyone considering betting on horse races should consider Eclair Surf and refuse to support an industry built on cruelty and death.”
