Mr Vango Remains in Equine Hospital After Fall in Grand National Race
Mr Vango, a horse that fell during the Randox Grand National at Aintree, is receiving treatment at an equine hospital for a small avulsion fracture in his neck. The 10-year-old gelding underwent veterinary assessment after departing at the sixth fence. His training team reported that he is moving normally and may return home mid-week pending further scans.
Unknown authorUnknown author / Wikimedia (Public domain)Mr Vango was one of three horses from the 34-runner field in the Randox Grand National at Aintree that required expert veterinary assessment in the racecourse stables after departing the race at the sixth fence. The horse was transported to Leahurst Equine Hospital on Saturday evening and remained there on Sunday.
The training team stated that the horse has a small avulsion fracture in the neck, but it is not near the vertebrae.
The team indicated that the horse is receiving careful monitoring and will undergo a CT scan before being discharged. They reported that the horse is moving around normally and that his condition has improved since a brief concern the previous night. The horse is accompanied by a Shetland pony at the hospital.
Incident The Grand National is a stamina-testing race over famous fences at Aintree.
Mr Vango had previously competed in the Becher Chase in December, where he was narrowly defeated. The training team expressed optimism about the horse's potential return to racing next season, depending on the results of the CT scan and the position of a chip on the wing of his vertebrae. If the scan reveals no additional issues, the horse could be discharged by mid-week.
The team emphasized that no risks will be taken with his recovery. In the event of retirement, the horse would be well cared for, potentially living with another horse named Coneygree.
The Bill, trained by Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, fell at the final fence and underwent on-course assessment.
The jockey, Toby McCain-Mitchell, received a 10-day ban from stewards for failing to pull up the horse after it had tailed off. The training team reported on Sunday that Top Of The Bill is home, has trotted up sound, and has a normal heart rate. Beauport, another horse from the same training stable, unseated its rider during the race and was also assessed.
The team stated that Beauport is in good condition. Quai De Bourbon, trained by Willie Mullins, fell at the second fence and was scheduled to return home overnight after assessment.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- Sunday, April 12, 2026
Training team issues positive update on Mr Vango's condition at equine hospital.
1 sourceThe Independent - Saturday evening, April 11, 2026
Mr Vango transported to Leahurst Equine Hospital after fall at sixth fence.
1 sourceThe Independent - Saturday, April 11, 2026
Mr Vango undergoes veterinary assessment in Aintree stables post-Grand National.
1 sourceThe Independent - December 2025
Mr Vango competes in Becher Chase at Aintree and finishes narrowly second.
1 sourceThe Independent
Potential Impact
- 01
Mr Vango's racing career may be delayed or ended pending CT scan results.
- 02
Veterinary protocols at Aintree may face review after multiple assessments.
- 03
Toby McCain-Mitchell's 10-day ban affects his participation in upcoming races.
- 04
Other assessed horses like Top Of The Bill return to training without issues.
Transparency Panel
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