Gold Dancer put down after winning at Aintree

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.