THE sad death of a Grand National horse was blamed on the protestors who "haven't got a bloody clue".

Hill Sixteen fell at the first fence in the dramatic race at Aintree on Saturday.

But trainer Sandy Thomson said the horse had got "hyper" following the delay to the start caused by the animal rights activists who broke through on to the track and tried to glue themselves to railings and fences.

The iconic spectacle – eventually won by favourite Corach Rambler – was pushed back by 15 minutes as police and locals teamed up to drag the yobs away from the racecourse, with 118 arrests made.

But that caused major disruption to the horses who were taken back in from the parade ring and then brought out again.

Thomson is convinced that the chaos due to the protests was the main reason for the fatal injury sustained by Hill Sixteen.

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He said: "It's not good.

"He got absolutely hyper and we washed him off.

"They haven't a bloody clue what they're doing.

"He just hasn't taken off at the first fence, he's got so bloody hyper because of the carry on. 

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"Unfortunately, it's a statistic we're all trying to avoid.

"He's jumped round here twice and never had a bother. I don't know when he last fell.

"I know how ignorant these people are and they haven't a bloody clue. They just cause more problems than they ever solve."

Hill Sixteen had twice gone over National fences – at the Becher Chase, finishing second in 2021 and seventh this season.

Fellow Grand National horses Cape Gentleman and Recite A Prayer walked into horse ambulances for checks.

Dickon White, north-west regional director for the Jockey Club said: “Hill Sixteen was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals during the Grand National, but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections."

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Julie Harrington, chief executive of the BHA added: “Our thoughts are with everyone connected to the horses who suffered fatal injuries this week. 

“British racing works tirelessly to improve the sport’s safety record and reduce avoidable risk.

"As a sport we have for years shown great determination and commitment to improve welfare standards by taking measured scientific, evidence-based, regulatory and education-based steps. 

“We respect the right of anyone to hold views about our sport, but we robustly condemn the reckless and potentially harmful actions of a handful of people in disrupting the race at a time when horses were in the parade ring.

“Those involved in British racing are rightly proud of our sport and the role it plays in providing an unparalleled quality of life for horses bred for racing.

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“The Grand National is and always will be an iconic sporting event and the actions of a small number of people today will do nothing to diminish its huge and enduring international appeal.”

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