Favourite Ask Me Early to miss Welsh National after Fry loses race against time

Harry Fry has confirmed Coral Welsh Grand National ante-post favourite Ask Me Early will miss the Chepstow highlight on December 27.

The seven-year-old had been as short as 5-1 for the 3m6½f handicap chase after being campaigned over hurdles in the build-up to the Welsh National, winning at Exeter and Chepstow.

However, his participation was thrown into doubt in the week when Fry reported he had a schooling fall under Sean Bowen on Wednesday and his absence was confirmed on the trainer's website on Sunday.

Fry said: "Unfortunately we have lost the race against time to run Ask Me Early in the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on December 27.

"While it is bitterly disappointing that he misses out on such a big target, I knew we faced an uphill struggle to get him there from the moment he took a horrible fall with Sean Bowen over our schooling fences on Wednesday.

"It was a huge relief to see horse and rider get to their feet. But you could see immediately it was serious and it wouldn’t be fair to send Ask Me Early to Chepstow despite the best efforts of our vet and physio.

"His welfare comes first and after discussions with the Dare family and Sean we are in agreement that he needs more time to recover."

Last year's winner, the Evan Williams-trained Secret Reprieve, has been installed as the new favourite for the race with sponsors Coral in front of Highland Hunter and The Big Dog.

Coral Welsh Grand National

Coral: 5 Secret Reprieve, 6 Highland Hunter, The Big Dog, 8 Hold That Taught, 10 Threeunderthrufive, Time To Get Up, 12 Deise Aba, Hill Sixteen, Iwilldoit, 16 Mighty Thunder, Potters Corner, Royale Pagaille, Ramses De Teillee, Screaming Colours, 20 bar.

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