AINTREE, England (AP) — The Grand National steeplechase was marred for the second year in a row with the death of two horses Saturday, including the pre-race favorite Synchronised.
Synchronised went down at the sixth fence of the 4½-mile, 30-fence race considered one of the world’s most prestigious jumping races. According to Pete went down at the same fence, but later in the race.
The start was delayed when Synchronised unseated jockey Tony McCoy, but race organizers said the horse was “thoroughly checked” by a veterinarian and allowed to line up in the 40-horse field.
Neptune Collonges, a 33-1 long shot, won in the closest finish in the history of the race, which drew a crowd of 70,441.
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