i went into my first bookie shop and put a bet on the grand national without my mother knowing. and now, to win it is a dream come true. one of the biggest names injump racing, michael o'leary is now winding down his racing empire. his horses are looked after by a variety of trainers. since 2015, of the 500 horses owned by his stud 86 have died — that's more than one in six. is that a death rate that's inevitable forjump horses with tough racing careers? dr hannah donovan is a veterinary expert. no. where we have the veterinary care we have and the developments we have to be able to look after horses in the high standard that we have in britain and ireland, then no,