Lee racing against time as Scottish National bid hinges on medical clearance

Lee has been on the sidelines for nine weeks after he was knocked out and broke his jaw in two places in a horrific fall at Huntingdon. He lost almost a stone in the days that followed and took a while to regain his strength.

After sitting out Cheltenham and Aintree, he is mad keen to make up for lost time at Ayr's National meeting, where his boss Ferdy Murphy saddled the first two in the big race a year ago.

Murphy again has major chances with Noir Et Vert and Leading Man and is hoping his stable jockey will get the green light to partner one of them. But Lee knows that the decision tomorrow by the BHA's medical officer Dr Michael Turner is far from a formality.

He said: "Deep down, I'd love to be back for the weekend, but I'm a little bit afraid I may have to wait for another couple of weeks. I am seeing a neurosurgeon tomorrow and Dr Turner will then consult him before making up his mind.

"I'm cautious on this and would say my season could already be gone. I thought Dr Turner would have passed me last time, but he wasn't happy and said there were things to be done.

"I had a fair hearing because what he said made sense. He may take the same view again tomorrow.

"If it is your arm or your leg you strap it up and get back on. But when it is your brain you have to be careful.

"My jaw is grand and people say the difference in me over the past two weeks is unbelievable. I am very fit after working in the gym and riding out for three weeks.

"I feel I'm ready to rock 'n' roll but the decision is out of my hands."

Dr Turner was hedging his bets when we spoke yesterday. "I am trying to get a balance on what is prudent for Graham," he explained.

"He is very sensible and does not want to come back unless he is 100 per cent fit. It was a nasty injury and it took him a long time to feel better, but he is very well indeed now. He has told me he is extremely fit and raring to go.

"We had much the same situation with Tony McCoy after his back injury in January. Has the jockey had enough time for all the bits and pieces to recover or does he need a bit longer? That's the question."

Murphy will wait for the doctor's verdict before finalising riding plans for his Scottish National duo.

He said: "Obviously, it would be a big bonus to have Graham on one of them. He has really put the effort in over the last three weeks. But we both know when you get a kick on the head you can't be too careful."

Whatever the outcome tomorrow, Lee is desperate to be back in the saddle for the first day of the new jumps season on April 27.

He said: "Every year, I set off with the aim of riding 100 winners in a season and I'd have definitely done it this time but for my fall at Huntingdon. At that stage, I was lying second in the list behind Tony McCoy with 89 winners.

"The key to reaching the century is a sharp start in May. So, if my neurosurgeon tells me I have to miss the first month of the new season, I'll be distraught."

Sponsors Corals yesterday trimmed top-weight Halcon Genelardais, who was fourth in the Gold Cup, from 20-1 into 14s after he was confirmed a definite runner.

McCoy's Royal winner

Tony McCoy broke new ground at Newbury yesterday by riding his first winner for the Queen. He enjoyed an armchair success in the royal colours on Barbers Shop at 1-5 in the opening novices' chase.

He said: "I've not had many chances on her horses so I'm thrilled to have won for her today on this one.'"