It's a Grand National

13 April 2012

Ad Hoc, going well until brought down four from home in the Martell Cognac Grand National last year, is favourite with most bookmakers at around 12-1 for the 2003 renewal on 5 April at Aintree.

Paul Nicholls's strapping gelding, who runs in the colours of Sir Robert Ogden, is set to carry 10st 13lb, which is 2lb less than he shouldered in his unlucky bid 12 months ago.

The weights for this year's showpiece were unveiled in London today when a modern-day record of 67 horses, from 149 entries, were listed as entitled to run in the fouranda-half-mile marathon, before the inevitable withdrawals nearer the day.

Bindaree, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, winner of the world ' s greatest steeplechase in 2002, is on 10st 9lb, 5lb more than he carried to victory last time, while Peter Hobbs's Whats Up Boys is on 11st 8lb, 2lb more than he was given when chasing home Bindaree at the Aintree course.

Other eyecatchers in the weights, which are topped by Florida Pearl and Marlborough on 11st 12lb, include Blowing Wind, who has been third in the last two runningsof the National for champion trainer Martin Pipe, and leading Irish hope, Davids Lad.

The latter, who is trained by Tony Martin, came down four out when in contention behind last year's eventual winner Bindaree.

There is sure to be a great deal of support for Chives, trained by Henrietta Knight. Her horse was a seven length runner-up behind Coral Welsh National winner Mini Sensation at Chepstow when conceding 22lb to Jonjo O'Neill's charge.

At Aintree they are set to meet at a difference of only 3lb. Mini Sensation has been alloted 11st, with Chives on 11st 3lb.

Mr Grand National himself, Ginger McCain, trainer of the legendary Aintree specialist, Red Rum, the only horse ever to win three Grand Nationals, was hoping to be represented by the Irish-bred Amberleigh House last year, but unfortunately the 11-year-old failed to make the cut.

This time, however, he is on 10st 2lb so has a better chance of making the final 40.

Man in the hot seat in the compilation of the weights was BHB handicapper Phil Smith who commented on the improving quality of National entries.

He said: "In 2000 you needed to be rated 120, in 2001 the minimum was 123 and, in 2002, you needed to be rated 130.

"That is an illustration of the quality of the race with its increased prizemoney from the sponsors and the racecourse."

Francois Doumen, who has First Gold 11st 6lb and Djeddah 9st 13lb entered in the race, said: "At this stage I'm concentrating on getting First Gold to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. .

"I'm very happy with the horse at this stage but I will not commit myself to the National.

"With Djeddah we could call it an ideal situation. He is practically in the handicap but the horse needs to prove himself now he's turned 12. I'm going to run him in the next two weeks. In last year's National he was going very well when brought down."

Davids Lad's trainer Tony Martin said: "The horse carried more last year when he was going well until coming down four out. Hopefully, Timmy Murphy who won the Irish National on him will be available."

MORE ABOUT

Athletics, Track And Field

Florida

Horses

Marlborough

It's a Grand National

Read More