Broadway Boy Set to Return Home After Grand National Fall

Broadway Boy is set to return home after suffering a heavy fall during the Grand National. The horse was put in training by Nigel Twiston-Davies in Gloucestershire, and during the prestigious race was leading when he fell at Valentine’s Brook upon the second circuit. The fall raised fears not just for the immediate health of the horse but also for his future racing career.

A report of the day brought a breath of fresh air. An update from Willy Twiston-Davies, Nigel Twiston-Davies’s son and assistant trainer, indicates a brightening of the mood after recovery news concerning Broadway Boy. “It sounds a lot more positive, and he’s coming home,” Willy said. “There’s still some uncertainty about his future in racing, but it’s certainly better than it seemed yesterday. The most important thing is that the horse is coming home and should be right.”

Although the fall came as a surprise, with Broadway Boy holding the lead at the time, his condition has gradually improved. Willy emphasized that the focus is now on the horse’s health, with the next few weeks critical in terms of his recovery. “His welfare over the next few weeks is the most important thing,” he explained. “The Aintree vets did an excellent job, and Laura Scrivener, who cared for him all night, was fantastic. He’s coming home.”

Broadway Boy’s jockey, Tom Bellamy, suffered a broken wrist in the fall, but despite this setback, both Tom and the team remain optimistic. “He’s stiff and sore,” said Sam Twiston-Davies, son of Nigel Twiston-Davies, Willy’s brother and a jockey himself. “Well, that is natural after such a fall, but he is on the mend. We are optimistic that he will be all right.”

After the race, Broadway Boy and Celebre D’Allen, another horse who had to be pulled up, were both taken by horse ambulance for further medical assessments.

Celebre D’Allen, trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, has shown positive signs of recovery as well. White reported that the horse was doing much better the following morning. “I’ve seen videos of him this morning looking much brighter and more himself. He’s also been out for a pick of grass,” White said. Celebre D’Allen is expected to be moved to a livery yard near Aintree for further care. “The vets have seen him, and it’s looking positive. He’ll likely travel to a livery yard later today. He’s going in the right direction,” White added.

Both horses have benefited from the quick and thorough actions of the Aintree veterinary team. The well-being of the animals will remain the focus for the trainers and owners in the days to come. While there may be uncertainties about the long-term futures of these two in racing, their health is a clear priority at the moment. Broadway Boy, one of the horses involved, is receiving close attention as his recovery progresses. Supporters of Broadway Boy will be glad to know that every effort is being made to give him the best possible care.

However, not all the attention following the race was focused on the horses. Jockey Micheal Nolan, the pilot of the celebratory D’Allen, had been punished for what he did on race day. After the race, the freemen of the Aintree stewards found it fit to suspend Nolan for 10 days for riding a horse that could give him nothing more and was losing ground. They also think that the progress Nolan may have made in trying to push forward might have placed the horse under unnecessary strain.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, a respected name in the field, has long supported high standards within the sport. His approach reflects the kind of accountability now expected at every level. Interestingly, conversations around safety and rider responsibility often tie back to long-term outlooks not just for the animals, but also for the jockeys. A clear retirement plan plays a key role in this, offering a way forward once a racing career winds down.

Twiston-Davies himself has spoken about the importance of preparing for life after racing, something that becomes more pressing during incidents like Nolan’s. A proper retirement plan isn’t just financial it provides stability, direction, and peace of mind for professionals who have spent years in the saddle.

It was the End of an Era for jockey Nick Scholfield, who announced his retirement plan right after the Grand National. The 35-year-old Scholfield decided to end his career shortly after riding Monbeg Genius, who was pulled up after the third last fence. It was a decision that came at the end of a long and distinguished career with strong performances, such as third on Teaforthree in the 2013 Grand National and fourth on Santini in 2022.

Another Grade One victory for Scholfield came in 2013, in the Tolworth Hurdle with Melodic Rendezvous, thereby accumulating eight wins with the animal. Scholfield has, however, plans to remain in racing despite his decision to retire. “I’ve loved every moment of my career, but it feels right to step back now,” said Scholfield. “I am so excited to begin a new chapter in the training and still be around and contribute to the sport”.

Looking ahead, both Broadway Boy and Celebre D’Allen will be monitored closely as they recover from their respective falls. It is hoped that it would be such that both horses would make a return to competitive racing. For now, their immediate welfare comes first, and the next few weeks will be vital in determining whether they can regain their form after such a difficult race.