What was shaping up to be a promising run for Broadway Boy in the Grand National took a sudden and terrifying turn on Saturday.
The 33-1 long shot had been confidently leading much of the race at Aintree when a devastating fall left spectators stunned and deeply concerned about his well-being.
Broadway Boy Tumbles After Leading the Field
Broadway Boy had been jumping smoothly and appeared to be in excellent form.
But as the race neared a critical point, he fell in a distressing moment that saw him hit the ground hard—his front legs seemed to buckle and his head appeared to take the brunt of the fall.
The impact was serious enough that TV cameras quickly cut away, adding to the alarm.
Jockey Tom Bellamy, who was riding Broadway Boy, was thrown from the saddle and later taken to hospital.
Doctors confirmed he had suffered a broken wrist in the incident.
Initial Updates Paint a Hopeful Picture
About an hour after the fall, fans finally got the first bit of good news: Broadway Boy was able to walk onto a horse ambulance.
He was taken back to the stables for further evaluation, sparking a wave of cautious optimism.
By Sunday morning, the updates became even more reassuring.
Sam Twiston-Davies, son of the horse’s trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, shared on social media that Broadway Boy was “stiff and sore,” but doing well enough to begin his journey home.
Vets and Stable Staff Praise Horse’s Recovery
Willy Twiston-Davies, another son of the trainer, added heartfelt thanks to the veterinary team at Aintree and to Laura, a dedicated team member who stayed by Broadway Boy’s side throughout the night.
“Such a special horse to all of us at Grangehill Farm,” he wrote, sharing a photo of Broadway Boy being carefully loaded onto the ambulance.
The emotional outpouring from the racing community reflected just how beloved this horse is.
ITV and Vets Monitor Situation Closely
During ITV’s coverage of the race, presenter Matt Chapman initially shared that vets were “hopeful” about Broadway Boy’s condition.
However, they also made clear that the next 24 hours would be critical and that further updates would follow once more was known.
ITV eventually provided more detailed information later in the day, revealing that both Broadway Boy and another horse, Celebre d’Allen, were being closely monitored by experts on site.
Fans React with Shock and Sympathy
Social media lit up with emotional reactions from viewers, many of whom were shaken by what they had seen.
Some fans said they felt physically ill after witnessing the fall.
Others criticized ITV for focusing heavily on the winning horse, Nick Rockett, without promptly addressing Broadway Boy’s condition.
One user summed up the sentiment: “No one gives a damn who won—we want to know if this beautiful horse is okay.”
Anger Over Lack of Immediate Transparency
In the hours following the race, the outcry over the lack of immediate updates grew.
Viewers accused the broadcast team and racing organizers of being insensitive and prioritizing image over animal welfare.
Animal Aid, an animal rights organization, didn’t hold back in their statement.
They accused the racing industry of “welfare-washing,” claiming it was appalling that it took so long to give the public a proper update on the horse’s condition.
Another Horse Also Assessed Post-Race
Meanwhile, Celebre d’Allen, another horse involved in a separate incident during the race, was also seen entering a horse ambulance and later returned to his stable.
A stewards inquiry was launched into the riding of Celebre d’Allen, though no further details have been released yet.
A Reminder of Racing’s Risks
Saturday’s fall was a chilling reminder of how quickly things can change in horse racing.
Broadway Boy’s early lead had fans buzzing with excitement, only to be replaced with fear and concern just moments later.
While the latest updates offer some relief, many in the racing world are still shaken.
The hope now is for a smooth recovery for both Broadway Boy and Tom Bellamy—and for more transparency and compassion in how the sport handles these terrifying moments.
