A major update has been given on Rachael Blackmore’s condition after Willy De Houelle suffered a fatal injury at Aintree.
The Irish jockey was taken into an ambulance following the accident at the Grand National venue after the William Hill Aintree Hurdle.
Willy De Houelle was racing in the Boodles Anniversary 4-year-old’s Juvenile Hurdle on day one of the 2025 Grand National festival at Aintree.
The gelding tumbled early on, dismounting Blackmore from the saddle in worrying scenes.
ITV presenter Ed Chamberlain confirmed the sad news that the horse had not survived.
He said: “More now on our last race I’m afraid.
“News has filtered through that Willy De Houelle, I’m afraid, suffered a fatal injury in that race.
“Our thoughts with the Richis, we hope Rachael is okay and Willie Mullins, that will take the gloss off of him winning that contest.
“That’s sad news coming out of the Juvenile Hurdle.”
The host also reported later that Blackmore was ok after the horrendous incident.
He added: “Good news from the weighing room Rachel Blackmore is okay – she is a tough cookie.”
Naturally Nimble ridden by JJ Slevin also went down during the race but both are understood to be okay.
Speaking after stablemate Lossiemouth capitalised on another fall from Constitution Hill to win the William Hill Aintree Hurdle, Joe Chambers – racing manager to owners Rich and Susannah Ricci – also gave an update on jockey Rachael Blackmore following a dramatic day on Merseyside.
Chambers provided the update while speaking with Racing TV at the iconic racecourse.
He said: “It’s a shame about Constitution Hill, that’s twice it has happened to them and we know all about fallers – we lost Willy De Houelle sadly.
“Another great young horse, in the first race and thankfully Rachael is OK.
The Grand National takes place this Saturday at the famous venue.
