O’Regan given all-clear for Grand National

Denis O'Regan has been given the all-clear by a specialist to resume riding next week after results of an MRI scan on his back revealed no vertebrae had been broken.

Thu, 26 Mar, 2009 - 11:58

Irish jump jockey Denis O'Regan has been given the all-clear by a specialist to resume riding next week after results of an MRI scan on his back revealed no vertebrae had been broken.

O'Regan has been booked to ride leading fancy Black Apalachi in the John Smith's Grand National on Saturday week, plans to be back in action on Tuesday at Wetherby.

"I've got the all-clear," said a delighted O'Regan.

"I'm very relieved. I'm going to ride out at the weekend and then I'll be back riding on Tuesday.

"Obviously the few days I've had off have given me some relief, so I'm feeling good.

"Hopefully I will have other rides (at Aintree). At least I've got the all-clear so I can go on from there."

O'Regan suffered severe bruising when taking a heavy fall from Bleak House in a beginners' chase at Ayr last Thursday.

He continued to ride until deciding to give Sedgefield a miss on Tuesday to have the injury fully checked out.

O'Regan is enjoying a successful season with 74 winners riding mainly for trainer Howard Johnson and owner Graham Wylie.

The all-clear was welcomed by Black Apalachi's trainer Dessie Hughes.

"That's great news," said the Kildare-based handler.

"Everything's gone well so far and he's had a good build-up to the race."

Black Apalachi, who won the Becher Chase over the National fences in the hands of O'Regan earlier in the season, is a 12-1 chance for the Aintree spectacular.