Walsh ruled out of National

Ruby Walsh is to miss the ride on John Smith’s Grand National favourite Big Fella Thanks after a crunching fall in the Grade One hurdle earlier on the card.

Walsh was still travelling well on the Paul Nicholls-trained Celestial Halo in the Aintree Hurdle when his mount fell at one of the flights in the straight.

The Irishman – twice a previous winner of the National – was thrown to the floor and appeared to be caught in the shoulder area by Won In The Dark.

Although sitting up, he was immediately attended to by paramedics, and taken to Fazakerley Hospital for further X-rays with his left arm and shoulder strapped up.

Indications from officials at the course were that Walsh may have suffered a broken arm.

Barry Geraghty is to switch from the Nicholls' Tricky Trickster to ride Big Fella Thanks, with Richard Johnson - previously without a ride - coming in for the mount on his stablemate.

Geraghty won the National in 2003 with Monty’s Pass, while Johnson has yet to win the great race.