Emma Lavelle pays tribute to Classic Chase winner Eclair Surf

Emma Lavelle has paid tribute to Eclair Surf after the eight-year-old died on Sunday following a fall in the Randox Grand National at Aintree.

The Classic Chase winner suffered a head injury after falling at the third fence under Tom Bellamy and was treated by racecourse vets before being transferred to Liverpool University's equine hospital.

In an update on social media, his trainer said: "We are very sad to report that having sustained a traumatic head injury in yesterday's Grand National, Eclair Surf lost his fight this morning.

"He was looked after at the racecourse by a team of first-class vets before being transferred to Liverpool University, where he was treated all night, but very sadly it was not to be.

"He was an incredibly special horse, who was loved by everyone and will be missed terribly."

Eclair Surf, who was among the top British contenders, won the Classic Chase in January before finishing second to Scottish National winner Win My Wings in the Eider Chase in February.

He won four times from 13 starts, including three chase wins, for Dominic Burke and Tim Syder, earning £99,485 in prize-money.

Discorama: was a fatality in the Grand NationalCredit: Patrick McCann

On Saturday, Paul Nolan confirmed Discorama suffered a fatal injury shortly before completing the first circuit of the National. He was pulled up and dismounted by Bryan Cooper and assessed after the race, but it was discovered he sustained an untreatable pelvic injury.

"We're all extremely saddened by the fatal injuries at the Grand National festival, although no one will be more upset than the trainers, owners and stable staff who will have given these horses unparalleled care throughout their lives," said James Given, the BHA's director of equine health and welfare.

Given outlined several changes made to the Grand National following the 2011-12 season, including adjusting the core of the fences to a "more forgiving" rubber design and levelling off the landing site of fences to ensure horses take off and land at the same level.

"Welfare and safety is an ever-evolving commitment and the BHA works constantly alongside our racecourses to further improve the sport’s safety record and reduce avoidable risk," added Given.

"Every incident this week will be reviewed, and this information will then build on the significant evidence and evaluation that took place as part of the 2011-12 review, and in subsequent years."

Read these next:

'He's an absolute gent' – Santini's Grand National fourth delights Polly Gundry

Grand National fairytale as 50-1 Noble Yeats wins for retiring Sam Waley-Cohen

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday