Jockey Paul Townend had to attend a stewards inquiry into his riding of Gold Dancer, who had to be euthanised after the William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Chase on welfare grounds

Top jockey Paul Townend has explained what happened to Gold Dancer when he suffered a fatal injury at Aintree’s Grand National Festival on Friday. The Willie Mullins-trained horse ran an almost perfect race and was on course for a wide-margin win in the William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Chase.

But he made a serious error at the last fence, dragging his back legs through the obstacle, losing momentum before he was ridden to the line, still managing to record a near five-length win. Realising something was wrong, Townend immediately pulled up Gold Dancer shortly after the finish and dismounted the horse quickly.

He was attended immediately by Aintree’s veterinary team and green screens erected around the horse for privacy, yet despite their best efforts Gold Dancer could not be saved.

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“He’s been put down. He broke his back,” said Eddie O’Leary, racing manager for the Gigginstown owned by his brother, the Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary. “It’s terribly sad for the horse. What could Paul Townend do? He felt fine, it was just when he pulled up that something was wrong.”

Miami Magic and Jordans Cross fell during the race but both horses had walked back to the stables afterwards.

Aintree Racecourse issued a statement confirming the news. They said: “The winner of our second race of the day, Gold Dancer, was pulled up after the line and dismounted.

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

The stewards held an inquiry into the riding of Gold Dancer “from jumping the final fence up until rounding the bend towards the pull up area after which the gelding was immediately assessed by Veterinary Surgeons and subsequently euthanised on welfare grounds”, their report said.

It continued: “Townend and the Director of Equine Regulation, Safety, and Welfare were both interviewed and shown recordings of the incident. Townend explained that Gold Dancer had made a bad mistake at the last fence after which it had taken a stride or two for the gelding to gather himself before, in his opinion, running on in a straight line to the winning line where Gold Dancer felt sound.

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“Townend added that it was only until rounding the bend towards the pull up area that the gelding’s action changed when Gold Dancer went from a canter to a trot after which he immediately dismounted from the gelding.

“After reviewing the footage, The Director of Equine, Safety, and Welfare explained that Gold Dancer’s action was typical of a 3-mile chaser in the final stages of a race and supported the evidence of Townend. After hearing all of their evidence, the Stewards noted Townend’s explanation.”

Willie Mullins, speaking to RacingTV, said: “It’s a big loss out of the yard because he was improving all the time and today, to give such an exhibition of jumping, to give his owner, give me, give Paul, all the people who backed him such a thrill and then for that to happen after the line was unbelievable.

“Paul said to me the horse galloped through the line fine, went down to his slow pace at a canter and then just as he turned he went into a trot and that was the first he felt. He took a pull of the reins and that’s when he lost his action.

“I would say he didn’t feel that the horse had any damage and he galloped all the way to the line and that’s what you do. It’s like a forward going for goal. He’s going to keep going and if something happens he’s going to keep going and kick the ball into the back of the net if he can.

“Same with the jockey. Unless they feel that the horse’s action really wrong, he’s not going to stop, because if he stops he’ll lose his licence. The other punters will drag him off the horse and say what did you pull him up for.

“He didn’t feel anything was wrong until after the line. Horses make mistakes and people out running trip and get up and run another ten miles and they only find out later on that night that they’ve pulled a muscle somewhere. It’s just life. We can’t legislate for everything.

“If Paul thought there was something wrong he’d be the first one to pull him up.”

A statement from the BHA said: “The veterinary assessment was that the appropriate course of action was to humanely euthanise the horse.

“Having reviewed the footage of the incident, James Given, the BHA’s Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare, agreed that Gold Dancer’s action was typical of a horse in the closing stages of such a race, that he appeared sound until rounding the bend, at which point he was immediately dismounted.

“As is the case with any fatal injury, the incident will now be looked at in detail through our fatality review process, which is part of the sport’s commitment to ongoing improvements in racehorse safety.”

Alma Laing, 71, was visiting the Namco Funscape in Gateshead with her husband Rob, 73, and 21-month-old grandson Edward in February when a chip became lodged in her throat.

She said she was unable to talk, cough or breathe as she began to choke.

The chip had come from her grandson’s meal, and she bit into it while tidying up after him.

Mrs Laing said: “He’d had a burger and chips and as I stood up to put the rubbish in the bin I bit the end off one of the fries that he’d left.

“It immediately got stuck and I signalled to my husband that I was struggling to breathe or talk.”

Staff member Ian Syrett quickly realised what was happening and performed the Heimlich manoeuvre, and was able to clear the blockage, allowing Mrs Laing to breathe again.

She said: “I don’t even remember what was happening after that, I was passing out.

“I had never been so frightened and Edward was screaming his head off.

“I was so grateful, I can’t thank him enough.”

Mr Syrett stayed with the family and checked on Mrs Laing twice afterwards to make sure she was all right.

He is due to receive an award for his life-saving actions and has been praised by his colleagues.

A spokesman for Namco said: “Ian’s decisive response under pressure reflects the very best of Bandai Namco’s commitment to guest safety and care, even in the most challenging and unexpected moments.

“Stories like this remind us that behind every great guest experience are dedicated people ready to step forward when it matters most.”

Franck Queudrue spent nine years in English football, featuring for Middlesbrough, Fulham, Birmingham and Colchester, but it was months prior to leaving boyhood club Lens in 2001 that he produced one of the most iconic own goals of all time.

In a Ligue 1 match against Bastia, the left-back attempted a volleyed clearance 30 yards out from his own goal.

Queudrue connected with the ball superbly, but in completely the wrong direction to loop it high into the air and over his own goalkeeper.

For a defender who only scored only 28 league goals in his entire career, it is probably a contender for one of his best-ever strikes, albeit into the wrong net.

He is expected to appear before court next month

Police have charged a 40-year-old man following reports of a male with a machete close to Belfast City Centre.

Officers were called to the scene at Peter’s Hill, close to the Shankill Road on Thursday afternoon.

The man has been charged with a number of offences, including possessing a blade in a public place and a “simple drunk” charge.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police investigating a report of a man with a machete in the Peter’s Hill area of north Belfast yesterday afternoon, Thursday 9th April, have charged a man to court.

“The man, aged 40, has been charged with possessing an article with a blade or point in a public place, and simple drunk.

“He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on May 8th, 2026.

“As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”

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“At previous events linked to this group we have seen coordinated attempts to disrupt police activity, including obstructing officers and, at times, verbal or physical abuse. Our officers are trained to deal with these situations proportionately and effectively, and we are confident we have the plans and resources in place to respond appropriately, including making arrests where necessary.”

The event is is returning to the town’s George Allan Park on May 2.

Strathaven Beer Festival is returning to the town’s George Allan Park on May 2.

And some more vendors that will be appearing have been announced.

Beer – Five Kingdoms, Dookit, Outlandish, Simple Things Fermentation, Sulwath, Tempest, Two Towns Down, Up Front, Williams Bros and Winton Brewery.

Cider – Ayrshire Riviera Cider

Cocktails – Angels Dare Cocktails, Dispensary Bar, Little Margarita Truck, EspressoKart and Netherfield Whisky

Food – Babu Kitchen, Joanna’s Chippy, Smokin’ Delights, Miandough’s Pizza, Three Sisters Bake, Claire’s Cakes, and Nether Lethame Farm ice cream

There’ll be some crafters as well and the house bar will be selling G&Ts and fizz!

Meanwhile, Scottish singing sensation Connor Fyfe will again rock the festival stage this summer.

The 19-year-old had the main stage rocking last year with a foot-stomping set that kept spirits up as the weather tried to dampen them.

A home gig for Connor, he packed out the large tent at George Allan Park and had hundreds of revellers chanting along to perfectly performed cover versions.

And the event will again be a perfect opportunity for him to showcase his new music.

Covers band Underdog are also returning, with the event again headlined by DJ, Let’s Get Eclectic, who can regularly be heard holding Glasgow pub audiences captive.

As well as unveiling the live music line-up for the event, organisers have announced some of the breweries pouring on the day, with beer lovers in for a treat.

That includes Strathaven’s very own, Up Front Brewing, who will be joined by a host of other top beer makers, such as Dookit, Outlandish, Simple Things Fermentation and Two Towns Down.

For non-beer lovers, Angels Dare Cocktails, The Dispensary Bar and Netherfield Whisky will be on hand to quench thirsts.

The fun-filled community event will have plenty for all the family, including specialist kids entertainment.

Go to the festival’s Facebook and Instagram page for more.

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And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

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Gold Dancer had to be put down after suffering a broken back when winning the Mildmay Novices’ Chase on day two of the Grand National Meeting at Aintree.

The horse dragged his back legs through the final fence when leading Regent’s Stroll and was ridden out to win by four lengths under Paul Townend for trainer Willie Mullins.

Gold Dancer was immediately pulled up after crossing the finish line, with Townend dismounting and screens erected for veterinary experts to assess and treat the horse but the seven-year-old was put down.

Owners Gigginstown said: “He’s been put down. He broke his back. It’s terribly sad for the horse.

“What could Paul Townend do? He felt fine, it was just when he pulled up that something was wrong.”

Emma Slawinski, chief executive at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “Year after year we see horses dying at Aintree for people’s entertainment and a cheap bet. Sadly, Gold Dancer is the latest victim of this heartless spectacle, which flies in the face of animal welfare.

“The public and businesses should boycott the Aintree Festival, refuse to bet on the racing, and stop watching the ITV coverage and advertising which glosses over the animal cruelty.

“The government needs to act as the British Horseracing Authority and Jockey Club is prioritising gambling profits over the lives of the horses.”

Two horses, Willy De Houelle and Celebre D’Allen, died at last year’s Aintree Festival.

Gold Dancer has tragically lost his life after suffering a catastrophic injury while winning the William Hill Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree. The seven year old had produced an almost perfect round and was cruising towards a dominant win before faltering at the last fence.

Despite the setback, the Willie Mullins-trained runner still managed to claim victory by nearly five lengths, but harrowing scenes unfolded at Aintree afterwards. The horse limped past the winning post before jockey Paul Townend swiftly dismounted. Veterinary teams immediately attended as barriers were put in place, before the heartbreaking announcement was made.

Eddie O’Leary, racing manager for the Gigginstown stable, said: “He’s been put down. He broke his back,” adding “It’s terribly sad for the horse. What could Paul Townend do? He felt fine, it was just when he pulled up that something was wrong.”

Earlier in the race, Miami Magic and Jordans Cross both suffered falls, although ITV confirmed that both horses were able to walk back to the stables afterwards.

Aintree Racecourse issued a statement addressing the tragic incident, saying: “The winner of our second race of the day, Gold Dancer, was pulled up after the line and dismounted,” reports the Mirror, reports the Irish Mirror.

“He was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary team but sadly he could not be saved. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.” ITV’s Ed Chamberlin confirmed: “The winner was immediately attended by veterinary team but sadly could not be saved.” The Jockey Club, which operates 15 racecourses nationwide and runs both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals, is continuing its work to minimise dangers in the sport.

Emma Slawinski, chief executive at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “Year after year we see horses dying at Aintree for people’s entertainment and a cheap bet. Sadly, Gold Dancer is the latest victim of this heartless spectacle which flies in the face of animal welfare.”

Gold Dancer had finished runner-up in the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March. The horse had previously won at Tipperary and Galway in Ireland while trained by Mullins, after beginning his racing journey in France.

Regent’s Stroll finished second in the 2:20 at Aintree, with Salver claiming third position.

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