there have been no fatalities in today 's big race , '' Dr. Mark Kennedy from the World Society for the Protection of Animals told CNN on Saturday . Auroras Encore defies the odds to win Saturday 's Grand National at Aintree . The horse was a late replacement for the injured Royal Ascot winner and leading contender in Saturday's race after he sustained an injury during training on Friday. Only 17 of 40 entrants complete race , but no repeat of last year 's two horse deaths . However , two horses died following races earlier in the three-day meeting .
Auroras Encore defies the odds to win Saturday 's Grand National at Aintree . The horse was a late replacement for the injured Royal Ascot winner and leading contender in Saturday's race after he sustained an injury during training on Friday. Only 17 of 40 entrants complete race , but no repeat of last year 's two horse deaths . However , two horses died following races earlier in the three-day meeting .