Injured Ladalko misses Sales

Ladalko is being closely monitored by vets after rupturing an artery in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter on Saturday.

The Paul Nicholls-trained chaser was sent off at 13-2 on the back of a success in Warwick’s Classic Chase in January but was pulled up before jumping the 12th fence.

Ladalko holds an entry in the John Smith’s Grand National and had been due to go to the Doncaster Sales this week, but will now miss both engagements while he recovers.

“Unfortunately, Ladalko ruptured an artery during the race, and that has formed a haematoma on his right-hand hindquarters,” explained Dan Skelton, Nicholls’ assistant.

“He’s now with vets in Staffordshire, who are keeping a close eye on him and doing what they can.

“The vets say he’s stable and free of pain, but the swelling has not subsided,” Skelton told the Racing Post.

“It remains to be seen if his racing career is going to be affected, but the vets are hopeful of a full recovery.”