19.03.08 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

115 Go Forward in John Smith's Grand National

All the leading contenders remain in the 2008 John Smith’s Grand National following today’s second forfeit stage for the famous race, which will be worth £800,000 this year when taking place on Saturday, April 5.

With just 10 horses taken out today, a record 115 entries are still in the race, of which 93 are in the handicap. This compares with 81 remaining (and 58 in the handicap) at this stage 12 months ago and a maximum field of 40 runners looks assured with the cut-off weight at 10st 10lb at present.

The current 6/1 favourite with Aintree’s official betting partner, the Tote, is Cloudy Lane, the winner of his last three starts for trainer Donald McCain - whose father Ginger won the John Smith’s Grand National four times, most famously with Red Rum (1973, 1974 and 1977).

Celestial Gold - who had been top weight - was one of the 10 horses taken out today, meaning that the weights will rise by 1lb and are now headed on 11st 12lb by the 2005 winner Hedgehunter and Hi Cloy.
That pair are among 30 remaining Irish-trained contenders that could bid to continue an oustanding record for raiders from Ireland, who have won four of the last five runnings of the John Smith’s Grand National. Other leading Irish-trained entries include the Willie Mullins-trained Snowy Morning, the Tote’s 10/1 second favourite, Chelsea Harbour, representing Mullins’ brother Tom, last year’s third Slim Pickings, as well as Dun Doire and Point Barrow, who respectively finished second and third in a chase at Down Royal yesterday.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls - who saddled a 1-2-3 in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup last week - has six possibles to give him a first success in the John Smith’s Grand National, headed by totesport Becher Chase hero Mr Pointment

Howard Johnson and owner Graham Wylie, who enjoyed a high-profile double at Cheltenham with Inglis Drever and Tidal Bay, look set to be represented by Bewleys Berry in the John Smith’s Grand National.
Last year’s runner-up McKelvey and fourth Philson Run also represent the 2007 form while other notable entries include the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Butler’s Cabin and Simon, who finished fourth in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton last month.

Julian Thick, Managing Director at Aintree Racecourse, commented: "The popularity of the John Smith’s Grand National is demonstrated by the fact that an unprecedented 115 horses remain in the race after today’s forfeit stage and we are counting down the days until what promises to be great race on Saturday, April 5."

Tickets remain available for all three days of the John Smith’s Grand National Meeting - go to www.aintree.co.uk or ring 0151 522 2929.

The next confirmation stage for the John Smith’s Grand National is at the five-day stage on Monday, March 31.

The John Smith’s Grand National, worth a record £800,000, takes place at Aintree on Saturday, April 5. Aintree is situated in Liverpool, European Capital of Culture for 2008.

Latest betting from the Tote: 6/1 Cloudy Lane, 10 Snowy Morning, 12 Slim Pickings 14 Bewleys Berry, Butler’s Cabin, Comply Or Die, 16 Point Barrow, Simon, Mr Pointment, 20 Hedgehunter, McKelvey, Turko, 25 LAmi, Chelsea Harbour, Knowhere, Patsy Hall, 28 Ungaro, 33/1 bar

THE 2008 JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL
Class 1, Grade 3, £800,000 total Prize Fund, 4.15pm, Aintree, Saturday, April 5, 2008. For six-year-olds old and upwards which are allotted a rating of 110 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 3, 2008. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain or Ireland at January 29, 2008, may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible for a weight providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances to February 3, 2008, would merit a minimum rating of 110. To qualify horses must have run at least three times in Steeple Chases run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Turf Authority up to and including February 3, 2008. At the Handicapper's discretion such horses may be allocated a rating. The decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final. No penalties after publication of the weights. Entries closed January 29, entries revealed January 30 (150 entries, 1 not qualified), weights revealed February 5, first forfeit stage March 4 (125 remained), second forfeit stage March 18 (115 remain). Confirmation stage March 31, final declaration stage 10am, April 3. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to the racing of Monday, March 17.

2/500-P502 HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) 12-11-12 Trevor Hemmings Willie Mullins IRE
P-262514 HI CLOY (IRE) 11-11-12 Susan McCloy Michael Hourigan IRE
U-135P16 KNOWHERE (IRE) 10 -11-11 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
5/122-416 MR POINTMENT (IRE) 9-11-11 Stockton Heath Racing Paul Nicholls
5/U40-16447 OLLIE MAGERN 10-11-11 Roger Nicholls Nigel Twiston-Davies
210P-P123 TURKO (FR) 6-11-10 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
03-4425 MADISON DU BERLAIS (FR) 7-11-09 Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds II David Pipe
513P-P40 BILLYVODDAN (IRE) 9-11-07 Trevor Hemmings Henry Daly
21B21324 KNIGHT LEGEND (IRE) 9-11-07 Lynn Wilson Jessica Harrington IRE
11F-52U4 SIMON 9-11-07 Mercy Rimell John Spearing
1120-1P OPERA MUNDI (FR) 6-11-06 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
66-3632F2 UNGARO (FR) 9-11-06 Sir Robert Ogden Keith Reveley
r416F5PP IRON MAN (FR) 7-11-05 Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar Peter Bowen
6P-2412103 FUNDAMENTALIST (IRE) 10-11-04 C Cornes Nigel Twiston-Davies
43011-303 BUTLER'S CABIN (FR) 8-11-03 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
F53-62S5 SLIM PICKINGS (IRE) 9-11-03 Doubtful Five Syndicate Tom Taaffe IRE
4P3F6514 CHELSEA HARBOUR (IRE) 8-11-02 Mrs Paul Duffin Tom Mullins IRE
400-01105 VODKA BLEU (FR) 9-11-02 David Johnson David Pipe
00-63003 L'AMI (FR) 9-11-01 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR
124-F1133 SNOWY MORNING (IRE) 8-11-01 Quayside Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
1-0010F52 ALEXANDER TAIPAN (IRE) 8-11-00 Noel O'Callaghan Willie Mullins IRE
P/420F-2P BEWLEYS BERRY (IRE) 10-11-00 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
2P0450-0P CONTRABAND 10-11-00 Fergus Wilson Paul Murphy
410612-00 MCKELVEY (IRE) 9-11-00 Noel Elliott Peter Bowen
P-20030 JOAACI (IRE) 8-10-13 David Johnson David Pipe
2-0000403 POINT BARROW (IRE) 10-10-13 Mrs P Clune Hughes Patrick Hughes IRE
P0150P-220 CORNISH REBEL (IRE) 11-10-12 Halewood International Ltd Lisa Williamson
PP2-P014 D'ARGENT (IRE) 11-10-12 Nigel Bunter Alan King
30-434P NO FULL (FR) 7-10-12 Mrs P Doyle Eoin Doyle IRE
3-F106P0 BAILY BREEZE (IRE) 9-10-11 R Scott Mouse Morris IRE
522-360P BOB HALL (IRE) 7-10-11 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neil
201U-5111 CLOUDY LANE 8-10-11 Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain Jnr
U22P-2221 KING JOHNS CASTLE (IRE) 9-10-11 J P McManus Arthur Moore IRE
422434-P36 MON MOME (FR) 8-10-11 Vida Bingham Venetia Williams
132000 ALWAYS WAINING (IRE) 7-10-10 Mr & Mrs Peter Douglas Peter Bowen
026-2P0 CORNISH SETT (IRE) 9-10-10 Peter Hart Paul Nicholls
PP-104329 NAUNTON BROOK 9-10-10 David Langdon Nigel Twiston-Davies
0-2311342 OVER THE CREEK 9-10-10 David Johnson David Pipe
U50P-0U4 PATSY HALL (IRE) 8-10-10 C Byrne Tony Martin IRE
6F-04U3335 ROYAL AUCLAIR (FR) 11-10-10 Clive Smith Paul Nicholls
0211-U10 ROYAL COUNTY STAR (IRE) 9-10-10 Dunsany Racing Syndicate Tony Martin IRE
554-50626 TUMBLING DICE (IRE) 9-10-10 Lucy Donegan Tom Taaffe IRE
FP/24/0-14 BACKBEAT (IRE) 11-10-09 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
6/4P/-0P21 COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) 9-10-09 David Johnson David Pipe
UU-20U505 IDLE TALK (IRE) 9-10-09 Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain Jnr
2P-4300F2 KELAMI (FR) 10-10-09 Halewood International Ltd Francois Doumen FR
11305-540 MILAN DEUX MILLE (FR) 6-10-09 Fergus & Judith Wilson David Pipe
3PF-013P NADOVER (FR) 7-10-09 Tony Hayward and Barry Fulton Charlie Mann
0-564420 BLACK APALACHI (IRE) 9-10-08 Gerard Burke Dessie Hughes IRE
11P-0P6 HOMER WELLS (IRE) 10-10-08 Mrs M McMahon Willie Mullins IRE
13532627 PATMAN DU CHARMIL (FR) 6-10-08 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
1P6/04-2B PHILSON RUN (IRE) 12-10-08 Gale Force One Nick Williams
14-55P5 URSUMMAN (IRE) 9-10-08 J P McManus Niall Madden IRE
62-166P0P ARDAGHEY (IRE) 9-10-07 D & S Goodman Nigel Twiston-Davies
0F251P-062 DUN DOIRE (IRE) 9-10-07 Dunderry Racing Syndicate Tony Martin IRE
06/001P-U0 JOES EDGE (IRE) 11-10-07 Chemipetro Limited Ferdy Murphy
113122 COOL RUNNING (IRE) 8-10-06 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
10F0/16-0 DROMBEAG (IRE) 10-10-06 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
21-0PF0F DUNBRODY MILLAR (IRE) 10-10-06 Dundon Else Partnership Peter Bowen
43-63030 IN THE HIGH GRASS (IRE) 7-10-06 Mrs M Hally Tom Taaffe IRE
146/0/10- LONGSHANKS 11-10-06 Alan Halsall Kim Bailey
312/452-6 OSSMOSES (IRE) 11-10-06 Don Forster Don Forster
P-2UU4610 LE DUC (FR) 9-10-05 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
U0-6000 LIVINGSTONEBRAMBLE (IRE) 12-10-05 Favourites Racing Willie Mullins IRE
65-2FP0FU0 MERDEKA (IRE) 8-10-05 Maurice Clifford Tom Taaffe IRE
3/02-223 PAK JACK (FR) 8-10-05 The Bellflower Pak Jack Partnership Richard Phillips
3542-4P THEATRE KNIGHT (IRE) 10-10-05 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
1650PPP BALLYCASSIDY (IRE) 12-10-04 Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar Peter Bowen
141-1F4P BLUE SPLASH (FR) 8-10-04 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Peter Bowen
P12/-P225P ERIC'S CHARM (FR) 10-10-04 Martin St Quinton & Peter Deal Oliver Sherwood
U0-1061465 IRISH RAPTOR (IRE) 9-10-04 Caroline Beresford-Wylie Nigel Twiston-Davies
11F2-00P LOULOU NIVERNAIS (FR) 9-10-04 Mrs A Heayns Nigel Hawke
3P-5P134P NEWBAY PROP (IRE) 9-10-04 Bill Moffett Tony Martin IRE
330-1111 RISK ACCESSOR (IRE) 13-10-04 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
110-3320 BANNISTER LANE 8-10-03 Shaw Hill Golf Club(Sage Cott Props Ltd) Donald McCain Jnr
1F-0406 GLENFINN CAPTAIN (IRE) 9-10-03 J P McManus Tom Taaffe IRE
122-50550 LANKAWI 6-10-03 Jill Day Peter Bowen
60F0U0 TOMMY SPAR 8-10-03 Ralph Morgans Peter Bowen
4312-34P WHISPERED SECRET (GER) 9-10-03 David Manasseh David Pipe
12-P4P13 BALLYFOY (IRE) 7-10-02 M George Tom George
F60P00-3P INNOX (FR) 12-10-02 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
053U3P- SWEET DIVERSION (IRE) 9-10-02 Ian Marshall Evan Williams
P0P0-0052 TAKE THE STAND (IRE) 12-10-02 David Robbins & Frank Ridge Peter Bowen
621P1F/-P YOU'RE SPECIAL (USA) 11-10-02 Diane O' Rourke Ferdy Murphy
0/1P061/-0P FUSTRIEN DU PAON (FR) 12-10-01 Fergus Wilson Richard Chotard FR
6P-6FP23 LEADING MAN (IRE) 8-10-01 Mrs C McKeane Ferdy Murphy
P62P-P4P NITRAT (FR) 7-10-01 Peter Hans Vogt Francois Doumen FR
123112-4 NOIR ET VERT (FR) 7-10-01 Plantation Stud Ferdy Murphy
323-0P3P PREACHER BOY 9-10-01 Hunt & Co (Bournemouth) Ltd Ron Hodges
415/-2P0P AZULEJO (FR) 10-10-00 J Wilson & T Wilson Michael Scudamore
3110-PP2P FLINTOFF (USA) 7-10-00 Andrew Flintoff & Paul Beck Venetia Williams
200-563U FLYING ENTERPRISE (IRE) 8-10-00 Malcolm Edwards Evan Williams
231453P IRISH WOLF (FR) 8-10-00 The Hacking Partnership Peter Bowen
2/1F-1SF NOT LEFT YET (IRE) 7-9-13 David Johnson David Pipe
412002203 BURNTOAKBOY 10-9-12 Dr Richard & Laura Newland Dr Richard Newland
0/04P60-2 NATIVE JACK (IRE) 14-9-12 G Burke/R Bagnall/N O'Farrell/K Sexton Philip Rothwell IRE
2460-425F OSCAR INDIA (IRE) 9-9-11 A Burns Henry de Bromhead IRE
1120-0P MALETTON (FR) 8-9-10 Malcolm Edwards Evan Williams
P0P-53PP5 ROYAL ROSA (FR) 9-9-10 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
PPU-043P THE OUTLIER (IRE) 10-9-10 P Murphy Venetia Williams
4232/-41P BEANTOWN (IRE) 10-9-08 Eoin Barry Sean Aherne IRE
2003FP4 MODEL SON (IRE) 10-9-08 P J Hughes Developments Ltd Paul Blockley
F0030-302P2 ANOTHER RUM (IRE) 10-9-06 Ronnie Lilley John Weymes
F0-45U1P MCEVOY (IRE) 8-9-06 Phil Cunningham Evan Williams
U/1431-5PP BOSHAM MILL 10-9-05 Mark Gichero Brendan Powell
31-4UP66 SILVER JACK (IRE) 10-9-05 Mrs J Batey Martin Todhunter
6P-061106 VICTORY GUNNER (IRE) 10-9-05 Ron Bartlett & F Ayres Craig Roberts
501/-P50P FINAL ACT (IRE) 12-9-04 George Ross John Murphy IRE
4PP02PP MR ED (IRE) 10-9-04 Gwilym Morris Peter Bowen
P165FP0 JUFUL TENNIS (FR) 11-9-03 Jean-Paul Senechal Francois Cottin FR
3-615203 HENRY'S PRIDE (IRE) 8-9-01 P J Hughes Developments Ltd Alison Thorpe
12/122/-4 TOULOUSE-LAUTREC (IRE) 12-9-01 John French Tom George
0126556 SECRETOFSHAMBHALA (IRE) 9-9-00 Michael McGinley Tom Mullins IRE
500P-6106 WONDERKID 8-9-00 Bill Moffett Tony Martin IRE
4P-24314 BENGO (IRE) 8-8-12 Willsford Racing Incorporated Ben De Haan

115 entries remain after March 18 forfeit stage
30 Irish-trained entries
5 French-trained entries

THE FOLLOWING 10 HORSES WERE REMOVED AT THE MARCH 18 FORFEIT STAGE: CELESTIAL GOLD (IRE), MONKERHOSTIN (FR), RULE SUPREME (IRE), JOE LIVELY (IRE), PARSONS LEGACY (IRE), BOYCHUK (IRE), KILBEGGAN BLADE, BOB BOB BOBBIN, CAPTAIN CORELLI, BROOKLYN BREEZE (IRE)

For further information, please contact Emma Owen, Aintree’s Marketing & PR Manager, on 0151 522 2906.