Bleu 'comfortable' but lame after National

Initial indications suggest Martin Pipe’s Iris Bleu will recover from injuries gained in Saturday’s Martell Cognac Grand National.

But the news today was less good about one of the champion trainer’s riders Gerry Supple, who is recovering from a broken leg.

Pipe saddled seven runners in the big race with his finishers being Blowing Wind (eighth), Majed (12th) and Royal Predica (13th).

Iris Bleu was pulled up, while Polar Champ unseated his rider and You’re Agoodun and Burlu (Supple) fell.

“Iris Bleu is comfortable at the vets in Liverpool and the early signs - after loads of X-rays – are that nothing is broken,” Pipe said. “He is lame though, and we just hope he will be all right. He’s got plenty of swelling and a haematoma.”

Of his other horses, Pipe said: “Blowing Wind ran another great race and was staying on at the end. He’s finished in three Nationals now, which is fantastic.

“Majed ran well, while Royal Predica gave Jamie Moore an exciting ride. Like Blowing Wind he’s owned by Peter Deal so it was fantastic that two of his horses finished the race.

“You’re Agoodun is fine, as are Burlu and Polar Champ.”

The news was less good, however, regarding Supple.

Pipe said: “Gerry broke his leg and is having an operation today to have his thigh pinned.

“He’ll have something in common with me now as I’ve got mine pinned as well!

“I spoke to him this morning and he said he was fine, although obviously he will be out of action for a while.”