Venetia Williams has been dealt another blow after revealing her stable-star L’Homme Presse will miss the Randox Grand National. The season has gone far to plan at the Herefordshire-based yard, who’ve managed just 15 winners from 181 runners. The Diamond Boy gelding returned in good form this season with three seconds, prior to fifth in the Gold Cup.
Despite reportedly being in fine fettle leading up to Aintree, a discovery of lameness means he’s set for the sidelines. Speaking to the Press Association, via Sporting Life, owner Andy Edwards said: “I’m completely devastated and so are the others.
“I watched him work last week and it was big grins all round. Then on Tuesday morning I got a phone call from Venetia. He was a little bit lame in front where he has had his previous issues. They couldn’t trot him up and get him to pass the video needed for the vets.
“He’s gone into the Three Counties Equine Hospital to find out a little bit more. It’s nothing serious and the X-rays haven’t shown up anything horrible. He’s going back to the yard later today and will be allowed out in the small paddock.
“He won’t be ready in time. He wouldn’t be allowed to run as he couldn’t pass the video of his trot up; he does this now and again and has a bit of soreness for two or three days days and then is sound again. But he does need some rest and medication.
“He’s had less issues this season and Venetia has had the National in mind since last summer. It’s just awful it has happened now.”
Andy Edwards ‘not so sure’ he’d want to persevere
L’Homme Presse has been a magnificent servant winning two Grade 1’s, including at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival. However, Edwards has had numerous amount of misfortune with his horses, and is keen to avoid further damage.
“Last year over a 12-month period I lost nine horses to career-ending or fatal injuries. I’ve lost another three to career-ending injuries this year,” said Edwards. “It’s hard and you have to medicate, rehab and retrain them and then find a new home for them. After L’Homme Presse I will not have anything left and over the last 15 months I’ve lost 12 horses in a row – it’s devastating.”
“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’s been, I’d rather focus on his brilliance and what he has achieved from humble beginnings. They’re discussions to be had over the summer and once we know more.”