News

Broken ankle ends Biddick’s title hopes

  • Posted: Wednesday, 12th May 2021

Will Biddick’s quest for a record-equalling eighth national riders’ championship has been dashed by a broken ankle.

The injury occurred at Upcott Cross in Devon on Sunday when he fell at the final fence while leading a division of the maiden race. His mount, the Chris Barber-trained Wandering Soul, was unhurt, and Biddick was able to limp away after the fall, but this morning he confirmed the extent of the injury.

He said: “The ankle’s broken and is in a Velcro boot. It’s been X-rayed and I’ve been told to go back in two weeks, but I’ve been in touch with Dr Jerry Hill [the BHA’s chief medical adviser] to get a second opinion and he has asked for the papers.

“I’m 34 and I’ve been in racing for 18 years and never broken a bone, so I suppose I was due a break. It’s painful, but I’ve been lucky, and looking at the fall it could have been a lot worse. I’ve got runners at Cothelstone this evening and will be going down there, so I’m not going away.”

Asked if he would be returning to the saddle next season, Biddick said: “One hundred percent – stronger and better!”

Britain’s winning-most point-to-point rider, Biddick had ridden 15 winners this season and was lying joint-second in the men’s title race, level with Bradley Gibbs and four behind James King. His overall total of pointing wins has reached 459 in Britain while his score in all types of races on both sides of the Irish Sea is 524.