BORDERS horse trainer Sandy Thomson says he is "completely devastated" after his beloved Hill Sixteen suffered a fatal fall in the Grand National.

The horse, ridden by Galashiels jockey Ryan Mania, fell at the first fence in a race that was delayed by almost 15 minutes after protestors got on to the Aintree course.

Following the National, Berwickshire handler Mr Thomson hit out at the protesters who attempted to secure themselves to railings and fences.

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And he told BBC 5Live he went straight to the horse's side as soon as he could.

He said: "I just had a few words with him. That I was so sorry for him and thanked him for everything he did for us."

Mr Thomson also shared a photo of Mania stroking Hill Sixteen before his passing on Monday morning on social media.

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He wrote: "Thank you so much to everyone for such a huge outpour of love and sympathy for us all having lost Hill Sixteen.

"We are all completely devastated and it will be felt on the yard for a long time.

"He was a wonderful gorgeous horse who was so loved and cared for by everyone."

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After the race on Saturday Merseyside Police confirmed that a total of 118 people had been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including causing public nuisance and criminal damages.

Activist group Animal Rising said action over the weekend had been taken to "prevent harm coming to horses in the Grand National".

But the British Horseracing Association "robustly condemned" the protests.

Julie Harrington, chief executive officer of the BHA, added: “Our thoughts are with everyone connected to the horses who suffered fatal injuries this week. No one will be more affected by this news than the trainers, owners and stable staff who have provided these horses with first-class care and attention throughout their lives."