Broadcaster ITV maintained its coverage of the Grand National despite PETA's criticism.GETTY IMAGES
There was one horse fatality across the three-day Grand National meet at Aintree after it was announced that Lilbitluso was "destroyed" following a fall on Thursday, according to Jack de Menezes of the London INDEPENDENT. The world’s "most famous race," the Grand National, "appeared to pass without any deaths this year," although Saint Are did require on-course medical attention after falling at the 15th, "yet was able to walk back to the stables for further assessment." But the festivial had "already been marred" following the death of Lilbitluso, which came after a fall in the Foxhunters' Chase. Lilbitluso, a 10-year-old bay gelding trained by John O’Shea, fell at the Canal Turn and "was destroyed after the decision was made due to his extensive injuries." Animal welfare charity PETA was "furious" after news of the death emerged and called on broadcaster ITV to remove its planned coverage of the Grand National, which it did not do. A PETA statement said, "ITV is broadcasting the Grand National, even though this cruel event kills horses" (INDEPENDENT, 4/16).
