Animal rights campaigners criticise 'shameful' British Grand National

The organisers of the British Grand National are being criticised by animal rights campaigners over safety.

Two horses died at the event yesterday. Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised was one of them.

It has led to renewed calls for more changes to the course, and in some cases for the race to be abandoned altogether.

"The Grand National is a disgusting and shameful spectacle masquerading as sport," Animal Aid director Andrew Tyler told The Independent.

"There is nothing sporting about an event that routinely kills so many horses. For anyone who genuinely cares about horses, watching this race was an utterly depressing and melancholy experience."

Julian Thick, managing director of Aintree, said: "We are desperately sad at these two accidents and our sympathies are with the connections of both horses.

"When a horse gets hurt, everyone is deeply upset.

"Safety is the first priority for the organisers of the Grand National and we make every effort to ensure everyone involved is able to participate in safety."