O'Regan awaits result of MRI scan

Irish jockey Denis O'Regan will have to wait until tomorrow morning to discover the results of an MRI scan on his back.

O'Regan took a heavy fall at Ayr last Thursday, but continued to ride until he missed the meeting at Sedgefield yesterday to have the injury fully checked out.

He's hoping the damage to his vertebrae will be restricted to severe bruising, allowing him to resume riding in time to partner Black Apalachi for Dessie Hughes in the Aintree Grand National on Saturday week.

Meanwhile, last year's runner up at Aintree, King Johns Castle, has been ruled out of this year's National.

The 10 year old trained by Arthur Moore has suffered a setback.

He finished seventh at Naas on his delayed seasonal debut last month having sustained a tendon injury.

Cheltenham Festival winner Wichita Lineman is among 73 entries for the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday, 13 April.

In total, there are 19 British trained entries.

In other news, Paul Nicholls has said the ground will be the deciding factor on whether Kauto Star and Master Minded head for the Punchestown Festival next month.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Chase winners are expected to run again this season, but Nicholls is of the view that there must be some give in the ground if they are to make the journey to Ireland.