Grand National jockey suspended after Top Of The Bill health scare in wild race | Racing | Sport

Grand National jockey Toby McCain-Mitchell has been issued a 10-day suspension after Top Of The Bill’s health scare. The 10-year-old bay gelding fell at the final fence the iconic Aintree race on Saturday afternoon and caused concern post-race when he was being treated on the course.

ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin later assured that Top Of The Bill was “up and walking” while Aintree added: “Top of The Bill was assessed on course following his fall at the final fence. He was walked back to the stables where he will remain under assessment.”

And following a stewards’ enquiry, McCain-Mitchell, the grandson of legendary racehorse trainer Ginger McCain, who saddled the great Red Rum for his three Grand National victories, has now been handed a ban for not pulling his horse up before the last fence.

A chaotic Grand National saw only 16 horses cross the finish line, with seven fallers and another seven jockeys unseated.

A statement read: “An enquiry was held to consider whether Toby McCain-Mitchell, the rider of TOP OF THE BILL (IRE), who fell at the last fence, should have pulled the gelding 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.”

I Am Maximus was the winner and became the first horse since Red Rum in 1974 to carry top weight to victory. The 9/2 favourite’s win under Paul Townend also means he is the first since Red Rum to reclaim his crown.

JP McManus had three horses of the top four with I Am Maximus, runner-up Iroko and third-placed Johnnywho. While trainer Willie Mullins secured his fourth Grand National victory and his third in a row to draw level with Ginger McCain.

Elsewhere, jockey Robbie Dunne has been taken to hospital for further assessment. Dunne was assessed on course by the medical team and was conscious and talking. He took a heavy fall off of Stellar Story.

As well as Top of The Bill, two other horses are being assessed at the stables – Quai De Bourbon and Mr Vango.