Balthazar King suffers suspected broken ribs

Trainer Philip Hobbs has revealed Balthazar King has suffered suspected broken ribs after his fall in the Crabbie’s Grand National.

The 11-year-old is currently recovering at the University of Liverpool Equine Hospital in Liverpool after falling at the Canal Turn on Saturday.

Balthazar King finished second 12 months ago at Aintree but he only lasted until the eighth fence before falling and bringing down Ballycasey.

He was treated on the course before being transferred, but Hobbs is hopeful he can recover.

“He’s in the equine hospital in Liverpool and was comfortable last night,” Hobbs said.

“They think he’s probably broken some ribs. Hopefully he’ll be okay.”