Jockey Tom Bellamy has been handed a late call-up to ride Marble Sands in Saturday's Grand National after a series of dramatic twists. Just days after being selected by Willie Mullins to ride last year's winner Nick Rockett, the horse was ruled out, leaving Bellamy without a mount.
Bellamy's luck turned when Kielan Woods, the original rider for Marble Sands, was taken to hospital after a fall at Fontwell on Wednesday. Woods' agent, Gordon Clarkson, confirmed the jockey would be sidelined for about four weeks with a hip problem. “Kielan was doing all he could to get back but he will be out for about four weeks,” Clarkson said.
Bellamy, 31, is enjoying his best season with 64 wins, including a victory on White Noise at the Cheltenham Festival. Reflecting on his initial surprise at being chosen for Nick Rockett, he told Mirror Racing: “I thought it must be a mistake to be honest with you! ... This is a pinch yourself moment for me.”
Despite his success, Bellamy has yet to finish the Grand National in five previous attempts, with four falls and one pulled up. He will be hoping to change that aboard Marble Sands, a ride secured only after Woods' unfortunate injury.
