The 8yr-old's troubles started at Riccarton, when Emily Farr fell from his saddle when the pair were attempting to defend their Sydenham Hurdles crown.
Grand National week got worse for Laekeeper and Farr when they again parted company when attempting to improve on their second placing in last year's Grand National Hurdle behind Jackfrost.
Shaun Fannin will now substitute for Farr, who will instead ride last-start winner Abacus in tomorrow's 3350m feature.
"I had the situation where Emily had another ride and we agreed she should take that ride and we'll see how Shaun goes on him," Laekeeper's trainer Simon Rees said.
Rees said Laekeeper was in good order after returning to his Morrinsville stable after his ill-fated Grand National Carnival.
"He's really well - extremely well, actually."
Laekeeper will carry the top weight of 67.5kg in the race.
He will again clash with Hawke's Bay Hurdle winner, No Tip.
The Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal-trained hurdler enjoyed a 3kg advantage when he won the Hastings feature, beating Laekeeper into third.
The 8yr-old's 67kg weight in tomorrow's race gives him just a 0.5kg advantage over his main rival.
No Tip comes into the race after producing an excellent third placing in a flat race at Whanganui last week.
No Tip opened the $3.60 favourite for the Pakuranga Hunt Hurdle ahead of Laekeeper, who was at $4.40.
