WAYNE Hutchinson says that he is gutted to be missing today’s Coral Scottish Grand National through injury.
The Swindon jockey fell three from home in the Mares Maiden Hurdle on board Lady Garvagh at Towcester.
And while he went on to finish second with Genstone Trail in the Mares Novice Handicap Chase, the fall from the earlier race has forced him to withdraw from defending the title.
Hutchinson was due to mount Godsmejudge at Ayr in today’s feature race looking to defend the crown they won last year, but the jockey says that he is struggling to put any weight on his left leg.
“I’m gutted not to be riding (in the Scottish National),” Hutchinson told the Adver en route to see his specialist former England rugby union full-back Jonathan Webb in London.
“There is never a good time to be injured and I not sure how I will be out for until I’ve my specialist.
“I had a fall at Towcester and I’ve got a problem with my left knee - I’ve got quite a bit of discomfort.”
Hutchinson was due to have three rides north of the border prior to his injury and he is now hoping that the prognosis from the injury is not too bad.
With Hutchinson out, Barbury Castle trainer Alan King has brought in Aidan Coleman to ride the eight-year-old defending champion in Ayr.
King said: “He’s damaged his knee and we’re not sure if it’s a cartilage problem or what it is at this stage.
“It’s obviously disappointing for Wayne – there’s never a good time to get injured.”
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