Oh dear. Will has broken his leg. He got kicked whilst exercising the horses at Jonjo's (his employer). He phoned yesterday lunchtime just as they were stretchering him into the ambulance as he was due to come and school Harry. He was in an enormous amount of pain, but absolutely gutted that his season is over, it's broken in two places so it will be a while before he recovers. We feel desperately sorry for him as he is totally dedicated to the sport and doesn't deserve this.
One of his main concerns was who was going to take his place, and we have decided to take the 'risk' with Ed as although he isn't terribly experienced and hasn't ridden a winner yet, he is a very good horseman, and has already schooled all of our horses, with a view to him having a ride if Will wasn't available. There have been a lot of accidents just lately with jockeys being injured so we are lucky that Ed is available at such short notice.
We walked the course yesterday and it was too soft for Dove and Red but should suit Harry perfectly.
Ed came in this morning to school Harry, the schooling went well and Harry is learning all the time. Ed is very excited/nervous about having the opportunity to race him, although he also feels for Will.
Just about to leave, fingers crossed that both pilot and horse come back safely.