Dame Judi Dench’s horse As De Mee has been forced to withdraw from the Grand National after suffering a leg injury, according to a report on BBC Sport.
The eight-year-old horse, which has been trained by Paul Nicholls was considered as one of the favourites to win the race and has been working hard over the past few months preparing for the race.
The horse is co-owned by Oscar-winning actress Dench alongside Andy Stewart.
Nicholls was devastated by the news but was confident that the horse will get another chance to race at the event next year.
He said:
I’ve been preparing As De Mee all season with the Grand National in mind.
Hopefully he might get there next year if he is back in full training by Christmas.
The horse has ridden previously at the Grand National on the support cards and finished fifth in the Topham Handicap Chase last year.
The horse has won seven times in 31 races and was expected to put up a good fight at the Grand National this year.
