A jockey has been given a 10-day ban for continuing to ride his horse despite the horse noticeably struggling in the 2025 Grand National. The incident occurred at Aintree during the main event, where Jockey Michael Nolan rode Celebre D’Allen. Trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, the horse initially performed well but began to show signs of distress after the 29th fence. Despite the clear difficulties, Nolan persisted in riding Celebre D’Allen until just before the final fence. The horse collapsed soon after pulling up and required immediate veterinary attention on the course.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) conducted a stewards’ enquiry following the incident and ruled that Nolan had breached riding rules by continuing to push the horse when it was struggling. The enquiry found that the jockey had ridden Celebre D’Allen even as it was losing ground after the second-last fence. As a result, Nolan was suspended for 10 days. The stewards’ report detailed the events leading to the ban and highlighted the horse’s condition before the collapse.
After the incident, it was revealed that Celebre D’Allen had suffered heatstroke and was kept overnight at Aintree for monitoring. The historic Grand National event saw Nick Rockett emerge victorious, achieving a remarkable father-son victory for trainer Willie Mullin and his son, Patrick. Willie Mullin made history by training the top three horses in the race, a feat unprecedented in the modern era of the Aintree race.
Another dramatic moment during the Grand National was when Broadway Boy, a leading horse, suffered a horrifying fall just five fences from the finish line. Despite being in a position to win, the horse’s fall shocked spectators. The jockey, Tom Bellamy, was taken to the hospital following the fall, prompting concerns about the safety of both horse and rider in such high-stakes races.
The 2025 Grand National witnessed both triumph and tragedy on the racetrack, showcasing the unpredictable nature of horse racing. While celebrations were in order for Nick Rockett and the Mullin family, the unfortunate incidents involving Celebre D’Allen and Broadway Boy served as a stark reminder of the risks involved in this exhilarating sport. The organisers and authorities will undoubtedly review the events of the day to ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and riders in future races.