Grand National debutant hit with 10-day ban

12 Apr 2026 • 4:15 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Grand National debutant hit with 10-day ban

  • Jockey Toby McCain-Mitchell received a 10-day ban for failing to pull up his rapidly tiring horse, Top Of The Bill, before it fell at the final fence of the Randox Grand National.
  • Stewards at Aintree sanctioned McCain-Mitchell, who was making his debut in the race, after an inquiry into the incident.
  • Top Of The Bill, a 10-year-old gelding, was able to walk back to the racecourse stables for veterinary assessment despite the fall.
  • Two other horses, Willie Mullins-trained Quai De Bourbon and Sara Bradstock’s Mr Vango, also fell during the race and were transported for further assessment.
  • Jockey Robbie Dunne was taken to hospital for further treatment after falling at the 19th fence, and an equine fatality occurred in an earlier race when Get On George was euthanised.

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