A second horse in two days died at the Aintree Grand National

A second horse in two days died at the Aintree Grand National meeting on Friday despite officials making changes to fences after criticism of deaths last year.

Little Josh was put down after a fall while Battlefront collapsed and died on Thursday. The English Grand National, widely regarded as the world’s best known steeplechase, takes place on Saturday.

“We are sad to confirm that is has been necessary to humanely put down Little Josh on welfare grounds, as a result of his fall at the 15th fence in the Topham Chase,” an Aintree statement said.

“He received immediate veterinary attention for a broken shoulder, but this injury was not treatable and it was the necessary course of action.”