Willy De Houelle has suffered a fatal fall in the second race of the Grand National. Rachael Blackmore's horse fell in the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle and the Irish jockey is said to be okay after being taken in an ambulance.

The four-year-old horse, who is owned by Rich Ricci and trained by Willie Mullins, settled in a position at the rear of the field. He struggled over the third hurdle before suffering a horror fall at the sixth. His injuries were fatal, while Blackmore received urgent medical attention. Naturally Nimble and jockey JJ Slevin both also fell in the race but are thought to be okay.

Blackmore looked in pain as she was taken into an ambulance. However, she was later confirmed to be okay.

ITV presenter Ed Chamberlin said moments after the race: “Rachael Blackmore walked into the ambulance, looked pretty sore doing so. Hopefully she will be okay. News on her horse as soon as we get it.”

His next update was to share the sad news that Willy De Houelle had died. Chamberlain said: “More now on our last race I’m afraid, news has filtered through that Willy De Houelle, I’m afraid, suffered a fatal injury in that race. Our thoughts with the Richis (owners), we hope Rachael is okay and Willie Mullins, that will take the gloss off of him winning that contest. That’s sad news coming out of the Juvenile Hurdle.”

Chamberlain's announcement came after confirmation that Ancient Truth had died after suffering a fall earlier in the week.

Investment banker and racehorse owner Ricci purchased Willy De Houelle in September last year. He rode in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last month, finishing 11th out of 17 starters and ridden by Brian Hayes.

The Mullins-trained Gaelic Warrior then won the next race, the Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase. It was the trainer's third victory of the day.

Meanwhile, Animal Aid have called for a ban on jump racing following Willy De Houelle's death. A statement read: “Willy De Houelle, just four years old, was killed in the second race today after suffering a horrific fall. The death toll of this event is now 66 horses killed since 2000.

“The Grand National three-day meeting is lethal for horses – who have no choice but to run for their lives on a racecourse designed to push them to their limits. Furthermore, National Hunt or ‘jump’ racing has killed more than 3,000 horses since 2001. This is why we are calling for a ban on jump racing, with the cruel Cheltenham and Aintree festivals being the first to go.”