14 DAY TRIAL // A second horse has died within two days of competition on the Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool in England, the British Horseracing Authority confirms.
The incident, which has taken place before the Grand National race, have raised concerns among animal rights group who are complaining about the condition of the course.
Little Josh fractured his shoulder falling after jumping the 15th fence in the John Smith's Topham Chase, prompting an intervention by vets caring for the horses during the race.
"We are sad to confirm that it has been necessary to humanely put down Little Josh on welfare grounds.
"He received immediate veterinary attention for a broken shoulder, but this injury was not treatable and it was the necessary course of action," veterinarian Chris Proudman, advising at Aintree says.
Jockey Liam Treadwell has not incurred serious injuries as a result of the fall. He has been treated on site and transported to a hospital for a check-out, HuffPost details.
Another horse death during yesterday's race was reported during the Fox Hunters' Chase, when Battlefront lost his life of an apparent heart attack. The race also registered five other falls, Animal Aid director Andrew Tyler mentions.
"Today's Fox Hunters' Chase, in which Battlefront lost his life, was stomach-wrenchingly chaotic from start to finish. Several horses fell or were pulled up, tired and potentially injured.
"It was both utterly depressing and served as confirmation that the Aintree authorities have got it badly wrong once again.
"Why doesn't the British Horseracing Authority just dig holes on the course for the animals to stumble into and then bury the fallen animals on the track to save time?
"The Grand National is nothing but a national disgrace that is only 'grand' if you are not a horse or a caring human being," Tyler says.