Grand National pre-race favourite Synchronised was one of two horses to die yesterday during the world’s toughest steeplechase, which was won by Neptune Collonges in the race’s closest finish.

Synchronised, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, suffered a fatal injury after falling early in the Aintree race, owner J.P. McManus announced.

Synchronised had unseated jockey Tony McCoy minutes before the start, delaying the showpiece event in the British racing calendar as he was “thoroughly checked” by a vet, organisers said.

According To Pete also suffered a fatal injury during the 4½-mile (7.2-kilometer) race in northwest England.

After two horses also died in last year’s grueling race, organisers responded to criticism from animal rights groups by altering the course.

Despite the drop at Becher’s Brook – one of several fences noted for their severity – being reduced by several inches, that was where Synchronised fell.

The death revived memories for winning owner John Hales of his horse, One Man, dying in a fall during the 1998 National.

“It split the family coming here,” Hales said. “My wife was 50-50, my daughter couldn’t face it. She has gone show jumping and is overcome with emotion.”

Hales said Neptune Collonges would be immediately retired after coming from behind to beat Sunnyhillboy on the line in a photo finish.

With Daryl Jacob on board, the 33-1 shot became the first gray National winner since Nicolaus Silver in 1961.

“He’ll never race again, that’s it,” Hales said.