Mr Vango remains in an equine hospital following his fall at the sixth fence during the Randox Grand National at Aintree. Trainer Sara Bradstock expresses optimism that the 10-year-old gelding will achieve a full recovery.
Positive Update on Mr Vango
The stamina-tested horse, one of three from the 34-runner field requiring veterinary checks at the course stables, arrived at Leahurst Equine Hospital on Saturday evening. He stays there until cleared for discharge. Bradstock provides reassurance on his condition, noting top-level care.
Bradstock states: “We’re still at the equine hospital. He has a small avulsion fracture in his neck, but it lies nowhere near the vertebrae. We thank our luck, and with some good fortune, he will make a full recovery.”
Plans include a CT scan before transport home. “We’re handling him with extreme care and won’t risk anything,” she adds. “A CT scan confirms nothing overlooked, potentially allowing home by midweek.”
His Shetland pony companion stays with him, both stable. After a brief concern overnight, he moves normally. Bradstock and her daughter Lily attend to him closely.
Mr Vango had targeted the Grand National after a close run in December’s Becher Chase. Bradstock sees potential for his return next season, pending CT results on a vertebral chip. “He’s content, moves his neck freely, and vets approve currently,” she notes. “He receives excellent care regardless, or could retire with friend Coneygree.”
Status of Other Horses
Top Of The Bill, trained by Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, fell at the final fence. Jockey Toby McCain-Mitchell, grandson of Red Rum trainer Ginger McCain, faces a 10-day ban for not pulling up. The horse trots soundly at home with normal heart rate.
Willy Twiston-Davies confirms: “Top Of The Bill is home, trotted up sound this morning, heart rate normal—all fine. He’s A1. Beauport, who unseated Sam Twiston-Davies, matches this status.”
Willie Mullins’ Quai De Bourbon, fallen at the second fence, heads home overnight after assessment.
