FOX FIT FOR NATIONAL
DEREK FOX will be fit to partner One For Arthur in Saturday’s Randox Health Grand National.
Fox (pictured) has been sidelined after taking a heavy fall at Carlisle on March 9 which left him with a broken wrist and collarbone.
Lucinda Russell, the trainer of One For Arthur, said: “Derek rode out yesterday and schooled a few horses this morning and everything went well.
“He’s going to see the doctor in Malton on Monday and as long as he’s happy, he’ll ride at Carlisle on Wednesday.
“I’m not sure how many rides he’ll have at Carlisle, I’ll see what the entries are like, but he’ll definitely ride in the bumper.”
Fox is set to have a warm-up ride over the famous fences aboard Imjoeking in Friday’s Topham Chase.
“As long as Imjoeking gets in the Topham, Derek will ride him, so hopefully he’ll get a spin over ® the fences before the National,” said Russell. “I was in Ireland at a point-to-point on Saturday and spoke to Derek on the phone. “It’s just fantastic to have him back. He has such enthusiasm and so many ideas. He’s a big part of the yard.” One For Arthur, 14-1 for the Liverpool headliner, booked his ticket for Aintree after finishing a respectable fifth to Vieux Lion Rouge over the National fences in the 3m 2f Becher Chase in December. He has since won the Betfred Classic at Warwick in January. Russell, the partner of the eight-times former champion jump jockey Peter Scudamore, added: “One For Arthur is having a nice day off in the field today and seems very well in himself. “We’re just ticking off the days at this stage and trying not to think about it too much. “We need to try to think of it as just another race.”