‘Key factor’ in death of Grand National horse Celebre D’Allen revealed in post-mortem
A POST-MORTEM carried out into tragic Grand National horse Celebre D’Allen has revealed a ‘key factor’ in his cause of death.
The findings, which were shared in a British Horseracing Authority statement, revealed the 13-year-old had developed a ‘severe infection’ and subsequently sepsis after his run in the world’s most famous race.
Celebre D’Allen died two days after being pulled up in the £1million Aintree contest won by 33-1 Nick Rockett.
His jockey Micheal Nolan – who has deleted his social media accounts – was banned ten days for continuing to ride a horse “who had no more to give”.
The BHA statement posted on Thursday read: “The report of the post-mortem carried out on Celebre D’Allen have been shared with the trainer and owner, who have granted permission for the key findings to be published by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
“The post-mortem was carried out by Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons of Newmarket.
“The findings of the post-mortem state that the exercise-associated episode experienced by the horse after the race had concluded by the time of death.
“However, a severe bacterial respiratory infection (pleuropneumonia) had occurred post-race which led to the horse’s deterioration on Monday evening, with the subsequent onset of sepsis or endotoxaemia (the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream from bacteria) likely to have been a key factor in the cause of death.
“Blood tests taken from the day of the race indicate that the infection had not been present in the horse on raceday, and was therefore developed after the race.
“Further bloods taken on the Monday indicated a severely compromised immune system.
“These indications had not been present in the bloods taken on the day of the race.
“This indicates that this issue emerged subsequent to the race and the exercise-associated episode.
“The heart pathology found no issues which are likely to be significant in the death of the horse.
“As stated previously, the circumstances around the fatality – as is the case with any fatal injury – are being reviewed in detail.
“The post-mortem forms one part of this process.
“In addition, the Grand National is always reviewed in detail after every running of the race by the BHA and the Jockey Club.”
Celebre D’Allen’s co-trainer Philip Hobbs said after the horse’s passing: “We’re heartbroken to share that Celebre D’Allen has passed away.
“He received the very best treatment by the veterinary teams and was improving.
“However, he deteriorated significantly last night and could not be saved. He was a wonderful horse and we will all miss him greatly.”
Celebre D’Allen was one of two runners put into a horse ambulance at Aintree.
The other, Broadway Boy, who suffered a terrible fall when leading, is making a rapid recovery.
He remained in the racecourse stables overnight to be monitored by vets but has since returned back to trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard.