Bookies' favourite Prince De Beauchene to miss Grand National

JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL

  • Venue: Aintree
  • Date: 12-14 April
  • Grand National: 1615 BST, Saturday
  • Live BBC TV and website (UK users): Thursday 1340-1630, Friday 1345-1630, Saturday 1300-1710
  • BBC Radio: Big-race commentaries. Preview Thursday 2000-2130

Bookies' favourite Prince De Beauchene will miss the Grand National on 14 April with a stress fracture to the hip, owner Graham Wylie has revealed.

"He is going to need 12 weeks box rest and that means he's going to have to miss Aintree," Wylie said.

Grand National favourites

Junior, Synchronised 10-1; Ballabriggs 14-1; Cappa Bleu, Chicago Grey, West End Rocker and Sunnyhillboy 16-1.

The Willie Mullins-trained horse had risen to the head of the betting after a stirring performance in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February. 

Scans revealed the season-ending injury after a recent training run-out.

"He went to Fairyhouse a few days ago and Ruby [Walsh] rode him, but he wasn't happy afterwards," Wylie continued.

"It's disappointing, but that's horses for you. It's better we've discovered it now than during the race.

"We'll give him a bit of time and hopefully he'll be back next season."