Riding in his first Grand National, Tom McCain-Mitchell – grandson of Red Rum’s legendary trainer Ginger McCain – was handed a 10-day ban for failing to pull up his horse, Top Of The Bill, after he had tailed off.
After the race, Top Of The Bill was assessed on the course for injuries, but promisingly, got up and returned to the stables for further assessment.
A statement from Aintree stewards confirmed that an inquiry had been held as to whether McCain-Mitchell should have been pulled up, ‘having been in a prominent position before weakening rapidly’.
The rider and the Veterinary Officer were interviewed and recordings of the incident were viewed. Having considered the evidence, McCain-Mitchell was suspended for 10 days for failing to pull up when the horse had tailed off.
Top Of The Bill had been in a strong position for much of the race, even leading when Amirite dropped back, before falling at the last fence.
