Grand National horse set for surgery as owner pledges ‘whatever it takes’ to save life | Racing | Sport

Grand National runner Cape Gentleman has been retired from racing after suffering career-ending injuries on Saturday, and now faces major surgery. The gelding was pulled up by jockey Jody McGarvey before the 14th fence after striking himself when between obstacles.

Cape Gentleman was a 100/1 shot for the race and was settled in rear before being pulled up quickly, with the on-site veterinary team quickly rushing to the scene. The seven-year-old left Aintree in a ‘horse ambulance’ and it has been revealed that he will now undergo surgery so that he can retire.

With three horses already passing away at the Grand National festival, connections of Cape Gentleman have been quick to note that they will be doing all they can to get the horse back to health. Journalist Nick Luck told Racing TV of his conversation with trainer John Hanlon: “He said his new American owner Pierre Manigault will do whatever it takes to save the horse’s life.

“He’s going under surgery today and he said it doesn’t matter what it takes financially or logistically, he wants the horse to have a full life in retirement. He’s not out of the woods, but connections are doing everything they can to save him.”

Cape Gentleman is owned by Pierre Manigault, who was hoping to replicate the feat of his Great Uncle, Stephen Sandford, who was the first American to win the National exactly 100 years ago. Though, as those in the sport have stressed to animal rights protestors, the welfare of the horse is always the priority.

Hanlon later revealed: “He’s gone to the clinic in Liverpool and he will be operated on. His racing career is finished, but he will be saved. He will be coming back to me for five or six months and then he is going on to America to be retired with his owner.