FAIRYHOUSE REPORT AND PREVIEW:DAVID CASEY is scheduled to complete a remarkable recovery by riding at Fairyhouse today ahead of his date with Snowy Morning in Saturday's Aintree Grand National.
Casey was taken to Blanchardstown hospital on Easter Monday with suspected pelvic injuries after a fall from the ill-fated An Cathaoir Mor at Fairyhouse.
However, after consulting with Dr Paddy Kenny yesterday the jockey’s outlook was a lot more positive as X-rays revealed no fractures.
“I’m a little bit sore but a great deal better than Monday. I’m going to see a specialist who will see if it’s a problem related to an old injury,” Casey said. “It’s looking good and I’d be very confident for the weekend.”
Casey finished third on Snowy Morning in the 2008 Grand National behind Comply Or Die, and is anticipating another good run from Willie Mullins’s horse on Saturday.
Before that, however, he will team up with Charlie Swan’s Boulavogue in today’s five-runner Ballybin Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
The three-mile event primarily looks to concern the old rivals Prince Erik and Smoking Aces, who both ran behind Buena Vista in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham.
Prince Erik was runner-up, almost five lengths clear of Smoking Aces, and is a clear choice for today’s race on form and on figures.
Ruby Walsh and Tony Martin have already teamed up to good-effect at the Easter Festival, and Askmeroe should be hard to beat in the Beginners Chase.
This will be his fourth start over fences and the last of them was his best so far when third to Kimberlite King at this track. Askmeroe drops back in trip, but stamina will be a major plus in these conditions.
Walsh should also make a big attempt on the second maiden hurdle with Sicilian Secret, who has his second start over jumps, while Abbey Lane ran better than his final position might suggest last time out and can be a big player in the opener.
