Aintree racegoers enjoy Ladies Day – but fighting breaks out

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Well-dressed racegoers flocked to the Liverpool course for the second day of the Randox Grand National Festival on Friday, with celebrities including Olympian Sam Quek and former footballer Michael Owen among those enjoying the event. An Aintree spokesperson said: “Pikar was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals during the seventh race of the day, but sadly passed away following a fall at the second last hurdle. “Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.” But Ben Newman, from Animal Rising – a group which protested at last year’s Grand National, said: “This latest death shows the industry’s so-called ‘welfare’ changes are nothing but a cynical PR stunt. “The changes that we announced last year are data driven and the result of a detailed assessment of recent Grand Nationals and the analysis of trends and statistics relating to the race over many years.” The Jockey Club, which runs the racecourse, has previously said the changes are not a consequence of the protests.