Derek Fox pencilled in for Wednesday return ahead of Grand National ride

Derek Fox was back on the gallops on Saturday morning as he closes in on a comeback ahead of his ride on One For Arthur in the Randox Health Grand National.Fox, who took over as stable jockey at trainer Lucinda Russell'sKinross yard following the retirement of Peter Buchanan, has been in the saddle for One For Arthur's two wins this season, with the pair most recently impressing in the Classic Chase at Warwick in January. The young rider has been sidelined by injury since suffering a fall at Carlisle on March 9, but is set to be successful in his race against time to be fit to ride in the world's most famous steeplechase. Russell said: "Derek rode out yesterday and schooled a few horses this morning and everything went well. "He's going to see the doctor in Malton on Monday and as long as he's happy, he'll ride at Carlisle on Wednesday."I'm not sure how many rides he'll have (at Carlisle), I'll see what the entries are like, but he'll definitely ride in the bumper."Fox is set to have a warm-up ride over the famous fences aboard Imjoeking in Friday's Topham Chase."As long as Imjoeking gets in the Topham, Derek will ride him, so hopefully he'll get a spin over the fences before the National," Russell added. "I was in Ireland at a point-to-point on Saturday and spoke to Derek on the phone. "It's just fantastic to have him back. He has such enthusiasm and so many ideas. He's a big part of the yard." One For Arthur was on Sunday enjoying some downtime in the Scottish sunshine ahead of his big-race assignment. "He's having a nice day off in the field today and seems very well in himself," said the trainer. "We're just ticking off the days at this stage and trying not to think about it too much."We need to try to think of it as just another race."