Racing: Injury forces Bridgwater into retirement

DAVID BRIDGWATER last night announced that he is retiring as a jump jockey at the age of 27. Doctors have told that him he will not sufficiently recover from the elbow injury he sustained at Ascot 13 days ago.

"It's a sad day for me but they've told me there's nothing much I can do," Bridgwater said. "I want to carry on in racing but I don't know what I'm going to do."

General Wolfe, among the leading fancies for the Grand National at around 16-1, may miss the race after banging a leg. Tim Forster, his trainer, is awaiting the outcome of veterinary opinion.

Fergie Sutherland has conceded that Imperial Call, winner of the 1996 Gold Cup, will not be fit in time for this year's race.

Challenger Du Luc and Call It A Day were backed yesterday for Saturday's Racing Post Chase and Greenalls Grand National Trial respectively. Challenger Du Luc has been cut to 9-4 favourite from a top-priced 7-2, while Call It A Day is now 5-1 favourite from 8-1.

RICHARD EDMONDSON

NAP: Inchdoney Boy

(Folkestone 2.10)

NB: Kinda Groovy

(Sedgefield 2.20)