Grand National pre-race favorite Synchronised was one of two horses to die Saturday during the world's toughest steeplechase.

 

Owner J.P. McManus announced that Synchronised, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, suffered a fatal injury after falling early in the Aintree race. Synchronised had unseated jockey Tony McCoy minutes before the start, delaying the showpiece event in the British racing calendar.

 

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

Neptune Collonges gave trainer Paul Nicholls his first National triumph after coming from behind to beat Sunnyhillboy on the line in a photo finish.