Injury could scupper Frost’s Grand National hopes

Jockey Bryony Frost is doubtful for next month’s Grand National at Aintree after injuring her shoulder in a fall at Southwell on Monday.

The 23-year-old hit the headlines last week as she became the first woman to ride a top-level Grade One winner over jumps at the Cheltenham Festival – saddling Frodon to glory in the Ryanair Chase.

However, she suffered a hefty fall while riding Caroline Fryer’s Midnight Bliss at Southwell on Monday and she was subsequently taken to hospital for X-rays.

Frost’s agent, Johnno Spence, has now confirmed they are anxiously awaiting the result of those scans.

“Bryony Frost had a fall yesterday at Southwell racecourse and was taken to hospital for a precautionary X-ray on her shoulder,” Spence confirmed.

“Bryony is out of hospital and currently waiting to see a specialist in Cardiff tomorrow to agree the best plan of action moving forward in terms of her rehabilitation.

“We will update you when she has seen the specialist.”

Frost had been hoping to compete in next month’s Grand National, having ridden the Neil King-trained Milansbar to a fifth-place finish in the Aintree showpiece 12 months ago (Milansbar 50/1 to win Grand National).

The English jockey has previously admitted that a run on Milansbar this year was unlikely due to the 12-year-old’s age, but it now looks like she may be out of contention for the race altogether.

Defending champion Tiger Roll (5/1) is expected to be one of the leading contenders to claim race glory once again on April 6 for trainer Gordon Elliott, while the Willie Mullins-trained Rathvinden (10/1) and the JP McManus-owned Anibale Fly (10/1) are also expected to be among the frontrunners.

Odds subject to change