Maguire skips Ludlow after National heroics

John Smith’s Grand National hero Jason Maguire has given up his rides at Ludlow today to recover from the injuries he sustained at Aintree on Thursday.

Maguire suffered a heavy fall from Palawi in the Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle and was stood down for the rest of the day.

Although he returned to the saddle on Friday, and to guide Ballabriggs to a famous victory in the National on Saturday, Maguire needs time to recuperate.

Maguire’s agent, Chris Broad, said: “He just feel too sore to ride again, so he has taken the day off.

“He had stitches in his elbow and dislocated his thumb in the fall on Thursday and it was very painful.

“But he struggled through Friday and Saturday, and thank goodness he did!

“The plan is for him to ride again on Monday – I’ve taken a couple of rides for him – but he might take the day off again if he doesn’t feel up to it.

“At the moment, he’s just taking 24 hours to recuperate.”