Ask Me Early's Welsh National participation in the balance after schooling fall

Ask Me Early, a leading contender for the Coral Welsh Grand National, could miss the Chepstow highlight after a fall under Sean Bowen at Harry Fry's yard on Wednesday morning.

Unbeaten in two starts over hurdles this season, including last time out at Chepstow when the only runner to finish in a novice at the track, Ask Me Early is as short as 5-1 for the Grade 3 handicap chase.

However, Fry said on Wednesday: "It had all gone very smoothly, but unfortunately Sean and Ask Me Early had a horrible fall and it's the sort of fall you're just grateful they can get to their feet from.

"Sean has gone to Yeovil A&E to undergo tests and we're awaiting those results, but obviously he wasn't going to be able to ride today.

Coral Welsh National racecard and betting

"As regards to the horse, we'll just have to wait and see. The Welsh National is only 12 days away, but to be honest, and I said this to the owners [the Dare family] on the schooling grounds this morning, I was just thankful both horse and jockey were on their feet, so we go from here."

Bowen was later reported to be largely okay by his brother James, who was riding at Newbury, but Fry faces an anxious few days with regard to his big-race runner.

"We'll have to see what the coming days bring, what the vets, physios say and what we can gather from him," he added.

"It's not the prep you want, but at the minute that's parked – the main thing is horse and rider got to their feet. I'm not looking beyond the next day or two with either and just hope Sean's test comes back favourably and the horse is okay."

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