Alan King, out of luck on the first two days of the Festival, could be looking for a new jockey for today's Ryanair Chase favourite Voy Por Ustedes and World Hurdle contender Blazing Bailey after stable jockey Robert Thornton was injured after a fall in yesterday's Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Thornton was kicked in the stomach when Big Zeb fell at the fourth last and must pass the racecourse doctor before being allowed to ride.

The 30-year-old was taken to hospital for tests but was thought to be confident of being able to take his rides today.

King also had to rule Bensalem out of tomorrow's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle. The winner of four of his five races, the six-year-old is not 100 per cent according to the trainer.

King said: "He didn't scope quite right and so can't run. It might ruin him so I can't take the risk.

"We will regroup and hope to get him right for Aintree."

In Bensalem's absence, Skybet make Pride Of Dulcote and Cape Tribulation the 3-1 joint-favourites for the race.