Welsh National favourite 'stiff and sore' with decision to be made by weekend

A crucial decision on leading Welsh Grand National hope Ask Me Early's participation in the race will be made at the weekend after the nasty fall he suffered at trainer Harry Fry's yard on Wednesday.

The seven-year-old, who is unbeaten in two starts over hurdles this season, has drifted to as big as 10-1 in places – although he remains the 5-1 favourite with the race sponsors Coral – after Fry told the Racing Post on Wednesday that the horse suffered a "horrible fall" while schooling under Sean Bowen, which left the jockey requiring a trip to Yeovil hospital.

After the horse was checked over last night, the Grade 1-winning trainer faces an anxious 48 hours before being able to determine whether Ask Me Early will be able to take his place in the Grade 3 marathon contest at Chepstow on December 27.

"He turned in and both the vets and physio saw to him yesterday to check there was nothing catastrophically wrong," Fry said on Thursday.

2.50 Chepstow: Coral Welsh Grand National card and betting

"It's still early days, but he's been out in the paddock this morning, so we're monitoring and doing the best we can for him. We'll know by, or over, the weekend whether we can still target the Welsh National or not."

Fry also revealed Bowen escaped serious injury and should return to the saddle within days, but would miss a big-race ride on Long Distance Hurdle winner Thomas Darby in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

He added: "Sean was discharged and went home yesterday. Nothing major came up, the x-rays and CT scan were all clear. He was at home last night and I wish him a speedy recovery.

"Not surprisingly, both horse and jockey are feeling very stiff and sore at the moment, so we just hope they continue to make good progress in the coming days."

Coral Welsh Grand National (December 27)

Sponsor: 5 Ask Me Early, 6 Secret Reprieve, 8 Highland Hunter, 10 The Big Dog, Time To Get Up, Threeunderthrufive, 12 Hold That Taught, 14 bar

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