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| Aintree Grand National - 14th April 2012 |
Niche Market out of Grand National
07/03/12
Trainer Paul Nicholls has ruled Niche Market out of next month's John Smith's Grand National.
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Nicholls tweeted this morning: "More bad news to report I am afraid. Niche Market misses the Grand National."
"He finished a bit jarred up on both forelegs after last year's race but they soon settled down.
"But we have kept an eye on them since and last night on our evening rounds we noticed something that we weren't happy with.
"So we had him scanned this morning and that revealed a small bit of damage in a leg. And that doesn't give us enough time to get him right for Aintree.
"Its very frustrating for all concerned and just goes to show once again just how fragile horses are."
Niche Market was beaten half a length by Marufo in a barnstorming finish in the williamhill.com Support Greatwood Veterans' Handicap Chase at Newbury on Saturday.
Ruby Walsh threw the kitchen sink at Niche Market but could never quite get on top.
After the race, Paul Nicholls said of Niche Market: "That was an amazing run. He'll go into the National a better horse than last year. He needed another mile, and could improve a bit too."
