Record-breaking jockey Tony McCoy faces a medical test before a decision can be made over his participation in tomorrow’s Grand National. Record-breaking jockey Tony McCoy faces a medical test before a decision can be made over his participation in tomorrow’s Grand National.
McCoy, will have to face the course doctor for clearance to ride the Martin Pipe-trained Blowing Wind after the horses' stablemate Iznogoud sent him crashing to the ground in the Mildmay Novices' Chase on Friday.
McCoy, who earlier this week broke Sir Gordon Richards' 55-year record for the number of winners in a season in both codes of racing, was still prostrate when the field came round on the final circuit but rose to walk into the course ambulance.
Medics checked his condition in the ambulance room before he emerged with abrasions to the nose.
Pipe, who came under fire earlier this week for the number of runners he intends saddling for the Grand National, on Friday told why he was so keen to win the big race for a second time.
Pipe scored with Miinnehoma in 1994 and this year, as well as Blowing Wind, the 11-times champion trainer is also set to run Majed, You're Agoodun, Royal Predica, Manx Magic, Gun'N Roses II, Iris Bleu and Carryonharry in the gruelling marathon.
Some have questioned whether one trainer should be allowed so many contenders, but Pipe said: "The Grand National is the greatest race in the world, and every trainer, owner and jockey wants to win it.
"That's why we are doing our best to do so."