Prince De Beauchene shot to National favourite after winning the Bobbyjo
PICTURE: John GrossickPrince De Beauchene ruled out of National
PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE, 9-1 favourite for the John Smith's Grand National, will miss the Aintree spectacular on April 14 after meeting with a setback.
His trainer Willie Mullins broke the news on his website on Saturday morning.
"Prince De Beauchene disappointed in a bit of work during the week," he said. "We had him checked out and the veterinary examination revealed that he has a stress fracture of the ilium in the hip area.
"It will mean about eight weeks box rest and, unfortunately, there will be no Aintree for him this year."
Prince De Beauchene won the Bobbyjo Chase, a traditional trial for the Grand National, at Fairyhouse last month.
Although it was still to be confirmed, Ruby Walsh was in line to ride Prince De Beauchene and Paddy Power are now expecting him to partner Seabass for his father Ted.
Ruby Walsh: 4-6 to go for Seabass
PICTURE: Mark CranhamThe jockey is 4-6 to select Seabass, 5-4 to opt for Prince De Beauchene's stablemate On His Own and 6-1 to go for any other horse.
Synchronised and Junior are now joint-favourites with Ladbrokes and Stan James, although both are clear leaders with other firms.
Although owned by Graham Wylie, Prince De Beauchene was to race in the name of Semore Kurdi after the north-east businessman lodged a successful bid to take temporary ownership of a Grand National contender at a charity auction last May.
Wylie, who staged the auction, confirmed on Saturday that Kurdi will now be represented by On His Own, his other National hope, instead.
Read the Willie Mullins column in tomorrow's Racing Post - download the digital newspaper from 3am or buy it as a PDF from 9am
Comments