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Grand National: All will be well with Recite A Prayer, says Mullins

By Racing TV

Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023

Willie Mullins has revealed Recite A Prayer is fine after suffering a fractured eye socket while running loose during the Randox Grand National.

The 80-1 shot was a first ride in the Aintree showpiece for Jack Foley and the duo were one of the first to rise at the opening fence which was ultimately the only obstacle they would jump in unison in the contest.

Although Recite A Prayer cleared it perfectly, Cloudy Glen on the eight-year-old’s outer was less proficient, sprawling on landing and crossing the Closutton inmate’s path in the process – subsequently knocking Foley out of the saddle.

Runners and riders at the start of the Randox Grand National Handicap Chase on day three of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse

Recite A Prayer continued to run loose with the remainder of the field until just before Valentine’s on the first circuit where the gelding leapt the inside running rail and made his way to the Aintree infield.

“Recite A Prayer fractured his eye socket,” said Mullins on Sunday afternoon.

“They have done a little procedure on him in the Equine Hospital in Liverpool and I just got news that everything is OK with him. He has a few little cuts and bruises, but nothing more.

“He got loose on the inside and had to pull up where all the barriers were. That’s something Aintree are going to have to look at.”

Mullins also reported all of the other Closutton National runners to be in full health following their exertions on Merseyside.

“Gaillard Du Mesnil ran a cracker yesterday and jumped well,” he continued.

“He was very tired after the race, but he is fine. The same goes for Carefully Selected. Capodanno pulled up after getting very tired, it was probably just the lack of a run.

Mr Incredible (pale blue, centre) jumps a fence during the Randox Grand National

“Mr Incredible was unlucky, his saddle slipped. I didn’t really get a chance to talk to Brian (Hayes, jockey) yet. It didn’t look like he was going great but that’s Mr Incredible, he never looks like he is going great until the business end.”

Similar, however, cannot be said for stable jockey Paul Townend who is set for a few days on the sidelines following a fall from the ill-fated Dark Raven in one the precursors to the big-race.

He added: “Paul is very sore. He is arm is very sore after his fall from Dark Raven yesterday. He is going to take a day or two off.”

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