Celebre D’Allen was ‘bright and breezy’ the morning after collapsing in the Grand National when his trainers Philip Hobbs and Johnson White shared the final images of their cherished horse. His condition is said to have ‘significantly deteriorated’ on Monday night before his death.
They confirmed the 13-year-old’s death today while adding that they are ‘heartbroken’. It came following a sudden deterioration in Celebre D’Allen’s wellbeing.
Hobbs and White posted a video of the gelding on Sunday morning, less than 24 hours after he collapsed in the Aintree race. Still at the venue after staying overnight for further medical checks, Celebre D’Allen scanned his surroundings and was said to have been picking at the grass.
The caption read: “Celebre D’Allen bright and breezy this morning @AintreeRaces after running so well in the Grand National.”
Later on Sunday, White said: “He’s had his stay at Aintree and I’ve seen videos of him this morning looking much brighter in himself and he’s been out for a pick of grass.
“The vets have seen him and he’s probably going to travel to a livery yard close to Aintree later today. It’s positive news and he’s going the right way.
“In the heat of the moment, I haven’t really spoken to the vets about what it really is, but it was probably a combination of the heat and everything. The main thing now is he’s back on the right track. It’s great for us that it looks like he’s going to be OK.”
But in a heart-wrenching update today, the trainers confirmed Celebre D’Allen’s death after a ‘significant deterioration’ over Monday night.
Hobbs and White said: “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.”
Jockey Micheal Nolan was suspended for continuing to ride Celebre D’Allen when the horse “had no more to give”. The Irishman will serve a 10-day ban. The British Horseracing Authority add that Celebre D’Allen’s death will form part of their annual review of the Grand National.
The horse was one of two to fall during the race. The then-leader Broadway Boy stumbled over the 25th hurdle and fell forward, landing on his face. Both horses received immediate veterinary attention.
