Liverpool, England – Love Island star Faye Winter expressed her distress over the tragic deaths of horses Giovinco and Pikar at the Aintree Festival during a race on Ladies Day. The incident has sparked debate and calls for an end to horse racing from animal charities. The Grand National, taking place today, will see 34 horses navigating the challenging course.
Faye, known for her love of animals, took to her Instagram to share her feelings about the heartbreaking events that occurred on Friday. Both horses fell during jumps and suffered fatal injuries. Giovinco, ridden by Stephen Mulqueen, received treatment but could not be saved. Pikar had to be euthanized after breaking his neck in a fall, according to the campaign group Animal Aid.
During a Q&A session on Instagram, Faye, who owns a golden retriever named Bonnie, paid tribute to the fallen horses and expressed her sadness over the tragic incidents. ITV Racing host Ed Chamberlain also conveyed condolences to the owners and those involved in the races, acknowledging the impact of the losses on the racing community.
An Aintree Racecourse spokesperson provided details of the incidents, stating that Giovinco fell at the last fence and was euthanized by veterinary professionals due to the severity of his injuries. The changes made for the 2024 Grand National races aim to improve safety, including modifications to the fences and overall course design.
The unfortunate deaths of horses during the Aintree Festival have drawn attention to the risks involved in horse racing and sparked discussions about animal welfare in the sport. Faye, who recently experienced the loss of her own pet, has been vocal about her support for animal causes and previously volunteered as a fosterer for guide dogs.
As the Grand National continues, the focus remains on enhancing safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incidents at Aintree serve as a reminder of the inherent dangers in horse racing and the importance of prioritizing the well-being of both horses and jockeys in the sport.