Blaklion Out Of National – Completesports

Trainer Phil Kirby has confirmed Blaklion will not run in the Randox Health Grand National next Saturday due to injury.

The 10-year-old was included earlier in the week on the latest list for the big race at Aintree on April 6, but has now been pulled out due to an injury setback.

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Kirby and owners Darren and Annaley Yates bought Blaklion from Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard in February and he was being prepared for another tilt at the showpiece race, having impressed when finishing fourth in 2017, while he was brought down when looking in good shape last year.

Unfortunately the 2017 Becher Chase winner will not take part this year and reports say he may now miss the remainder of the season.

Kirby said: “He’s got a back joint problem and he won’t be running next week.”