JOCKEY Paul Townend has been rushed to hospital for x-rays after a nasty fall on the eve of the Irish Grand National.
Willie Mullins’ main rider came crashing down in a nasty collision aboard 7-2 shot Egality Mans at Fairyhouse today.
Townend was going easily on the much fancied horse when it fell as part of a three-horse pile-up three flights from home.
Dr Jennifer Pugh at the Irish racecourse said: “Paul Townend has gone to Blanchardstown Hospital for precautionary x-rays on a foot injury following his fall in the fifth race.”
Bryan Cooper was also caught up in the fall as was Mikey Fogarty.
They were on 22-1 outsider Power Of Pause and 10-1 chance Frere Tuck respectively.
Townend, a three-time Irish Jumps champion jockey, is due to ride 8-1 shot Agusta Gold in the Irish Grand National tomorrow, one of three rides he has on the day.
However, his participation is now up in the air pending the outcome of the x-rays.
And the same could go for the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
Townend is tipped to ride Mullins’ Burrows Saint there, a horse being backed strongly in the market.
More to follow.
