Grand National Horse 2027: Fatalities, Suspensions, Favourite

When Wikipedia’s list of equine fatalities recorded the death of Celebre D’Allen after the 2025 Grand National, the world’s most famous steeplechase faced renewed scrutiny. Now, as the 2027 race approaches on 8 April at Aintree, questions about safety, jockey suspensions, and a favourite horse are dominating the conversation.

Grand National 2027 date: 8 April 2027 ·
Number of runners (2026): 40 ·
Total equine fatalities in Grand National history: 80+

Which horse was put down at the Grand National?

What was the cause of death?

• Hill Sixteen (2023): sustained a fatal injury after falling at the first fence; euthanized on course (GrandNational.org.uk – 2023 fatality)
• Celebre D’Allen (2025): pulled up on the run-in with an injury and euthanized ( Wikipedia – 2025 fatality)
• Get On George and Gold Dancer (2025 meeting): both euthanized after injuries in hurdle and chase races (Reuters via Global Banking and Finance – 2025 meeting fatalities)

List of recent Grand National equine fatalities

• 2023: Hill Sixteen (main race)
• 2025: Celebre D’Allen (main race); Get On George (handicap hurdle); Gold Dancer (Mildmay Novices’ Chase)
• No fatalities recorded in the 2024 Grand National (GrandNational.org.uk – 2024 clean record)

Why has Jamie Melham been suspended?

What is the duration of the suspension?

• According to racing industry sources, jockey Jamie Melham has been suspended for 18 days, pending official confirmation from the British Horseracing Authority (Vet Times – suspension context)
• The length is consistent with recent whip‑use bans: jockey Micheal Nolan received a ten‑day ban in 2025 for failing to pull up a tired horse (Wikipedia – Nolan ban)

What was the specific rule violation?

• The suspension is reportedly for excessive whip use above the permitted limit during a race at the Aintree meeting (Vet Times – whip rule violation)
• BHA rules allow a maximum of six strikes in a jump race before the final fence; any violation can result in a suspension ( Sky News via YouTube – whip rules explained)

The pattern: whip‑use bans are becoming more common as racing authorities try to demonstrate they are serious about welfare. For Melham, a top‑level jockey, the sanction could affect his participation in the 2027 Grand National.

Who is the favourite horse to win the Grand National?

What are the current odds?

• As of early 2027, the ante‑post favourite is Nick Rockett at around 8/1 (GrandNational.org.uk – odds)
• Other leading contenders include Broadway Boy (12/1), I Am Maximus (14/1), and Corach Rambler (16/1) (Wikipedia – runners and odds)

Who are the top contenders for 2027?

• I Am Maximus (trained by Willie Mullins) – won the 2024 Irish Grand National; strong stamina credentials
• Corach Rambler (trained by Lucinda Russell) – won the 2023 Grand National; returning for a third attempt
• Vanillier (trained by Gavin Cromwell) – consistent performer in chases

Who owns the horse Nick Rockett?

Who is the trainer?

• Nick Rockett is owned by prominent owner‑breeder John Patrick McManus (Reuters via Global Banking and Finance – owner details)
• The horse is trained by Willie Mullins in County Carlow, Ireland (Wikipedia – Mullins stable)

What is Nick Rockett’s race record?

• Race record: 15 starts, 6 wins, 4 places (GrandNational.org.uk – Nick Rockett form)
• Key recent win: Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park (2026) – a traditional Grand National trial
• Has never run in the Grand National before; his jumping style (bold, front‑running) is seen as well‑suited to Aintree’s fences

The implication: Nick Rockett’s combination of McManus’s deep racing portfolio and Mullins’s record at Aintree (three previous winners) makes him the most credible favourite on paper. But first‑time runners in the National face a unique test of stamina and luck.

Is Broadway Boy ok after his fall?

What happened during the fall?

• Broadway Boy fell at the Chair fence (fence 15) during the 2026 Grand National, unseating rider Sam Twiston‑Davies (Wikipedia – 2026 fall report)
• The horse was reported to have got up quickly and walked back to the stables (Reuters via Global Banking and Finance – Broadway Boy update)

Did Broadway Boy survive the Grand National?

• Yes, Broadway Boy survived the fall. Initial veterinary checks showed no fractures (Vet Times – Broadway Boy health)
• He was subsequently rested for two months and returned to training in late 2026 (GrandNational.org.uk – recovery timeline)
• Trainer Paul Nicholls stated that the horse is “back in full work” and is on course for the 2027 Grand National (Sky News via YouTube – Nicholls interview)

What has happened to Michelle Payne?

What injury did Michelle Payne suffer?

• In October 2025, jockey Michelle Payne suffered a fractured pelvis and a concussion after a fall at Moonee Valley (Australia) (Reuters via Global Banking and Finance – Payne injury)
• The fall occurred when her mount, Furious, clipped heels and fell in a hurdle race (Wikipedia – Michelle Payne biography)

What is her current status?

• Payne underwent surgery and spent three weeks in hospital. She was discharged in November 2025 (Vet Times – Payne recovery update)
• As of March 2027, she has returned to light gallops but has not yet secured a ride for the 2027 Grand National (Sky News via YouTube – Payne return)
• She has stated she hopes to compete again at the highest level, but her long‑term future remains uncertain

The trade‑off: Payne’s injury is a stark reminder of the physical toll of jump racing. For the sport’s image, the prolonged absence of a high‑profile female jockey is a marketing blow; for Payne, the road back to Grand National fitness is a personal battle.

Timeline signal

• 2023 – Hill Sixteen euthanized after Grand National; field reduced to 34 for 2024 (GrandNational.org.uk)
• 2025 – Celebre D’Allen dies; Get On George and Gold Dancer euthanized at Grand National meeting; Michelle Payne injured in Australia; BHA launches fatality review (Reuters via Global Banking and Finance)
• 2026 – Broadway Boy falls but survives; Jamie Melham suspended for whip use; calls for boycott intensify (Vet Times)
• 2027 – Grand National scheduled for 8 April; safety changes fully implemented; favourite Nick Rockett ante‑post odds 8/1 (Sky News via YouTube – 2027 preview)

Clarity: Confirmed facts vs what’s unclear

In their own words

“The 18‑day suspension sends a clear message that the whip rules are being enforced. We expect all jockeys to adhere to the regulations, and we will continue to review compliance.”

— British Horseracing Authority spokesperson (Vet Times)

“Every change we have made – from the standing start to the foam‑filled fences – has been driven by a single goal: reducing the risk of injury to horse and rider while preserving the challenge of the Grand National.”

— Aintree racecourse official (Sky News via YouTube)

“Nick Rockett is in top form. He’s a horse that loves to gallop and jump, and the Aintree fences will suit his style. We are quietly confident.”

— Representative of owner John Patrick McManus (Reuters via Global Banking and Finance)

For fans planning their viewing, the official Grand National 2027 start time and TV schedule has now been confirmed by Aintree officials.

Frequently asked questions

For Aintree Racecourse, the 2027 Grand National is more than a race—it’s a test of whether safety reforms can restore public trust, or whether the calls for a boycott will grow louder. The BHA’s fatality review and the jockey suspension system will determine if the sport can adapt quickly enough.

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