- The reigning Grand National champion has been cleared to ride at Aintree
- A BHA committee has deferred a decision on a potential breach of rules
- Fox is favourite for the upcoming Grand National on board Corach Rambler
Derek Fox has been cleared to ride Randox Grand National favourite Corach Rambler after a BHA Whip Review Committee deferred a decision on a potential breach of the rules until Tuesday.
The delay means any penalty for the ride at Newcastle Tuesday this week which would have ruled Fox out of the biggest race of the jumps season will not now kick in until three days after the Grand National.
While the news looked like a convenient loophole had been found to avoid Fox missing out on his biggest ride of the year, the BHA claimed the action it had taken was not unusual.
A BHA spokesman said: ‘The WRC today considered a ride by Mr Fox at Newcastle on Tuesday.
‘Upon reviewing the ride, the WRC had further questions for Mr Fox and have written to him today to seek his observations, as is outlined in the protocols and procedures around WRC meetings.
Derek Fox has been cleared to ride Randox Grand National favourite Corach Rambler
A BHA Whip Review Committee deferred a decision on a potential breach of the rules until Tuesday
The delay means any penalty for the ride at Newcastle on Tuesday will not now kick in until three days after the Grand National
‘As a result, Mr Fox’s case will be considered by the WRC on Tuesday 2 April. Any potential penalty arising from this ride, therefore, will not come into effect until Tuesday 16 April.’
The loss of Fox would have been a serious blow to the chances of Lucinda Russell-trained Corach Rambler, who he has ridden in all his 16 races.
