Grand National horse Hill Sixteen dies following fall during Aintree race

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    Another horse's life was claimed at the Grand National today with Hill Sixteen dying from injuries sustained during the race.

    The gelding, trained by Sandy Thomson, was put down at Aintree Racecourse after falling at the first, with the obstacle being omitted on the second lap.

    It's understood the 10-year-old, who was a 66/1 shot for the race, was treated on the course but the veterinary team were unable to save his life. Jockey Ryan Mania was unharmed in the fall, but was looked devastated after realising the extent of horse's injuries.

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    The Jockey Club released a statement that read: "Sadly, while racing in the Grand National, Hill Sixteen sustained an unrecoverable injury. Our sincere sympathies are with connections.

    "Recite A Prayer and Cape Gentleman were assessed on course by our skilled veterinary staff and walked onto the horse ambulance for further assessment in the stables."

    ITV Racing added: "Hill Sixteen has sadly passed away following a fatal injury in the Randox Grand National. Our thoughts are with connections at this difficult time."

    Hill Sixteen becomes the third fatality of the Aintree Festival, with Dark Raven being put down earlier in the day after falling in the 15.00, and Envoye Special passing away on Friday after falling in the Randox Foxhunters’ Chase.

    It comes after a group of animal rights protestors caused a delay to the race after storming the track and attempting to disrupt proceedings. Police later confirmed that 26 protesters had been arrested, 23 of which had been apprehended on the racetrack itself.

    Tributes came pouring for Hill Sixteen following news of his death, with social media users extending their well-wishes to those with connections to the horse.

    "Gave his life doing what he loved. My thoughts are with everyone associated," one person tweeted. A second wrote: "Absolutely heartbreaking. Fly high gorgeous," while a third said: "So very sad. What a lovely horse."

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