Grand National jockey hospitalised after suffering scary fall during race
A Grand National jockey is understood to be in hospital after a scary fall at the Randox Topham Handicap Chase
Grand National jockey Derek Fox has been hospitalised after his fall at Aintree. Fox has been scheduled to race in Saturday's Grand National where he was expected to ride Jet to Vegas.
He would have had his eye on winning the Aintree Spectacular for a third time, having riden One for Arthur in 2017 and Corach Rambler, six years later, to victory. However, his chances of riding on Saturday are now looking slim after he fell during the 4.05pm Randox Topham Handicap Chase while riding Primoz. It's now been claimed by Ed Chamberlain on ITV the two-time Grand National winner is conscious and talking, but has been taken to hospital.
ITV racing presenter Chamberlain confirmed Fox has "been taken to hospital" and is "conscious and talking". It's currently too early to confirm as to whether he will be available for tomorrow's Grand National or not.
Before the race, Fox did an interview with the Daily Record, talking about the horses racing fans should watch out for ahead of the event on Saturday. He said: “It’s a very competitive renewal. Oscars Brother, trained by Connor King, really stands out to me. He’s still a novice, but he’s bred to stay and has the right weight.
“I’d also look at Jagwar, trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, with Mark Walsh on board. He’s in off 10 stone 10, which is a nice weight, and he has to have a live chance.
The Grand National 2026 is just around the corner, with the world-famous Aintree racecourse set to host three days of racing across April 9-11.
Standard and hospitality tickets start at £33.50 at The Jockey Club, with VIP and hospitality packages also available from £249 at Seat Unique.
“Panic Attack is another interesting one. She was a very good winner of the Hennessy and she’s off a very light weight. Mares don’t have a great record around Aintree, but if there was ever one to break the mould, it might be her.
“I also like Gerri Colombe, trained by Gordon Elliott. He beat me in the Bowl a few years back at Aintree, so I know he stays well and handles the course.
“He’s had time off with injury, but won nicely at Down Royal on his return, and off a big weight, he could be one of the classier horses to win it.
“Also, Haiti Couleurs at 18/1 is interesting. He’s an Irish National and Welsh National winner and I feel like he’s a handicap horse through and through. His Gold Cup run was disappointing, but back in a handicap, he could bounce back.”
