Giles Cross is pulled up at National (From Dorset Echo)

Giles Cross is pulled up at National

8:43am Monday 16th April 2012 in Other sport By Ky Capel

THERE was to be no Grand National fairytale for Dorchester owner Kay Birchenhough as Giles Cross was pulled up at the 11th fence.

Despite making a positive start at Aintree, the 10-year-old joined 24 other charges in failing to finish the showpiece steeplechase.

Of the 15 that did cross the line, Neptune Collonges (33/1) beat Sunnyhillboy after a photo finish, handing champion trainer Paul Nicholls his first win in the big race.

Katie Walsh, bidding to become the first female jockey to claim glory, was third on Seabass while Cappa Bleu came fourth.

However, a dramatic day was marred by the death of two horses. Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised and According to Pete both suffered fatal injuries.