It is the annual sporting spectacle that see an estimated 13 million adults in the UK place their bets but there is a dark side to the Grand National, as today's death confirms

There has been a renewed focus placed on animal welfare in recent years after 66 horse fatalities at the Grand National Festival since 2000

The Grand National is the most valuable contest in jump racing with a total prize fund of £1m - first place gets £500,000. Racehorse owners receive about 80% of the prize money with the remainder mainly split between trainers, jockeys and stable staff.