US Edition
A total of 58 horses remain in contention to run in the Randox Grand National on April 13 after 22 entries were withdrawn in the latest round of scratches.
Asterion Forlonge, Threeunderthrufive, Letsbeclearaboutit and James du Berlais were among those taken out but the majority of fancied runners for the Aintree showpiece, including red-hot 5/1 favourite Corach Rambler, stood their ground.
Hewick, the horse that had been allocated top weight for the Grand National, is set to run in the Aintree Bowl instead. Conflated will currently shoulder top weight of 11st 12lb, with last year’s winner Corach Rambler carrying seven lbs less.
The next round of withdrawals will be at the five-day confirmation stage on April 8. A low number of British-trained runners appears likely.
The final selection of 34 horses will be made 48 hours before the Grand National itself. Of the 94 original entries, 61 were Irish-trained, which beats the previous best of 54, set last year when Ireland provided 25 of the 39 runners on the day.