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Balthazar King taken to Leahurst Hospital for assessment after Grand National fall

Balthazar King, ridden by Richard Johnson, on the way to victory in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase during Day One of The Open at Cheltenham Racecourse
Image: Balthazar King: Taken for treatment.

Balthazar King has been taken to Leahurst Equine Hospital for assessment and care after he took a suspected kick to the ribs from another horse after falling at the Canal Turn in the Grand National.

The runner-up in the race 12 months ago, Philip Hobbs' runner laid on the turf for some time after the incident, which occurred when he brought down rival Ballycassidy after the fence.

When screens were placed around the horse and jockey Richard Johnson and the fence bypassed, it didn't appear to look good, but the horse subsequently rose to his feet and was initially taken for treatment in the stable yard before heading to the University of Liverpool's equine care unit.

Hobbs said: "I hope he's going to be fine - I think he just got a kick in the ribs, but the vets are with him and he's in good hands."

More from Grand National 2015

Also in the wars was Davy Condon, rider of Portrait King, who fell at the third-last fence. Condon was conscious when taken to Fazakerley Hospital.

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Relive the full race as Many Clouds won the 2015 Grand National. Footage courtesy of Racing UK.

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