The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has completed its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths equine competitors Synchronised, the prerace favorite, and According To Pete at the 2012 running of England’s famed Grand National steeplechase. Both horses sustained serious injuries during the race, which was held April 14 at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. The race spans four-and-a-half miles and includes 30 jumping efforts.

"The review into how the two sad fatalities came to occur was conducted using veterinary evidence together with detailed analysis of all available television footage," relayed Jamie Stier, director of raceday preparations and regulation for the BHA, in a written statement published May 1. "In the case of both Synchronised and According To Pete, it was apparent that factors one could neither have foreseen nor prevented were prevalent in the events that led to the two horses sustaining their injuries.

"At this stage, it remains too early to speculate as to whether any changes will be made to the Grand National; either to the start or to other aspects," he continued. "Naturally, we will be liaising closely with Aintree in collating and examining all relevant evidence from this year’s meeting.

"While the focus of attention is inevitably on the Grand National, it should not be forgotten that throughout the three days Aintree staged top class and highly competitive jump racing under near perfect conditions," he concluded. "The course deserves considerable credit for implementing the changes recommended in the 2011 Review to such good effect and for the overall success of the meeting