Gallagher on National hunt

Former Champion Hurdle-winning jockey Dean Gallagher has issued a come-and-get-me plea as he bids to book an 11th ride in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on April 14.

Gallagher fractured three vertebrae in a fall at Cagnes-Sur-Mer on St Stephen's Day and was given the all-clear to return by doctors in Paris just 12 days ago.

Having now made a complete recovery, Gallagher is hoping to get the leg-up in the National.

He was set to partner the Francois Cottin-trained Louping D’Ainay, but the mare was ruled out last week with a leg injury.

“The stable kept the news from me for a few days until I received the all-clear,” said Gallagher.

“The thought of riding in the National helped me through some rough times when I was lying flat on my back and it is obviously a huge disappointment.”

Gallagher finished fourth aboard Dubacilla in Royal Athlete’s 1995 Grand National – the closest he has gone in 10 attempts at Aintree – and is now keeping his fingers crossed his agent Dave Roberts will find him a ride in the four-and-a-half-mile marathon.

“It would be great to ride at Aintree again and I just hope that Dave will be able to fix something up,” he added.

“I’ll be ready if a call comes.”