Grand National Dream Dashed for L'Homme Presse After Injury Discovery
The connections of popular staying chaser L'Homme Presse have been left "completely devastated" after the 11-year-old was ruled out of next week's Randox Grand National at Aintree. The gelding, who was being prepared for his first attempt at the prestigious £1 million race, has developed a minor lameness issue that will require a period of rest and recuperation.
Training Setback Forces Withdrawal
Trainer Venetia Williams discovered the problem earlier this week when L'Homme Presse failed to pass the required veterinary trot-up video. Owner Andy Edwards, who shares ownership with Pam Sharman, Ray Sharman and Peter and Patricia Pink under the DFA Racing banner, expressed his profound disappointment after receiving the news.
"I'm completely devastated and so are the others," Edwards told the Press Association. "I watched him work last week and it was big grins all round, but then on Tuesday morning I got a phone call from Venetia saying he was a little bit lame in front where he has had his previous issues."
Minor Injury But Major Disappointment
The injury, while not considered serious, has effectively ended L'Homme Presse's Grand National aspirations for the second consecutive year. The horse has been examined at the Three Counties Equine Hospital, where X-rays revealed no significant damage, but the timing means he cannot be prepared adequately for the Aintree challenge.
"He won't be ready in time and he wouldn't be allowed to run as he couldn't pass the video of his trot up," Edwards explained. "He does this now and again and has a bit of soreness for two or three days and then is sound again, but he does need some rest and medication."
Season of Promise Ends Prematurely
L'Homme Presse, winner of the Brown Advisory at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival, has been performing consistently at the highest level this season despite his advancing years. His most recent outing resulted in a respectable fifth-place finish in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, demonstrating his continued competitiveness against younger rivals.
The setback represents a particularly bitter blow for Edwards, who has suffered multiple disappointments with his racing string in recent times. "Last year over a 12-month period I lost nine horses to career-ending or fatal injuries, and I've lost another three to career-ending injuries this year," he revealed.
Future Uncertain for Veteran Performer
While Williams remains optimistic about L'Homme Presse's potential return to racing in the autumn, Edwards is contemplating whether the veteran chaser should continue his career. The owner acknowledged that discussions about the horse's future would take place over the summer months.
"Venetia is confident this isn't the end, but I'm not so sure I would want to put him through it any more with how wonderful he has been," Edwards admitted. "I would rather focus on his brilliance and what he has achieved from humble beginnings."
The absence of L'Homme Presse from the Grand National field represents a significant loss for the race's narrative, removing one of the most popular and experienced contenders from what would have been his debut in the world's most famous steeplechase.
