Grand National pre-post favourite Prince De Beauchene has been ruled out of the Aintree spectacular after suffering an injury.
The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old shot to the head of the betting for the world’s most famous steeplechase following a brilliant performance in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February.
But following an unsatisfactory racecourse gallop at the same track earlier this week, a scan revealed the gelding had suffered a hairline fracture to his hip, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
“He went to Fairyhouse a few days ago and Ruby (Walsh) rode him, but he wasn’t happy afterwards,” owner Graham Wylie said.
“So Willie got him scanned and it showed that he had a hairline fracture to his hip, so he is going to need 12 weeks box rest and unfortunately, that means he’s going to have to miss Aintree.
“It’s disappointing, but that’s horses for you. It’s better we’ve discovered it now than during the race.”
