GRAND NATIONAL day punters have suffered disaster after a mass of horses were pulled from Aintree.
At the time of writing some 17 horses have been taken out of their races – with two huge Nicky Henderson favourites among those withdrawn.
Nicky Henderson pulled two favourites out on Grand National day – as Aintree was hit by a wave of non-runnersPA
Henderson already had punters fuming when switching Lulamba from the Grade 1 2m Juvenile Hurdle on Thursday.
Those who followed him into today’s 2m4f Mersey Novices’ Hurdle were hurt again as the odds-on fav was declared a non-runner, one of three in the race.
While his other top horse Jeriko Du Reponet, who had been favourite for the opening handicap hurdle, was also pulled.
Meanwhile, amateur jockey David Maxwell’s El Cairos, who was favourite for the concluding bumper, was another non-runner.
All 34 runners for the Grand National itself remain in the race.
Though with the sun beating down on the Merseyside track and temperatures in the high teens, the ground will be drying all the time.
Officials have been watering the famous course in anticipation of the £1million race.
But it’s clear a number of trainers think the ground remains too good to risk their horses on.
A select few will relish the underfoot conditions, among them Hewick and Hyland in the Grand National.
Hyland will bid to end Henderson’s 40-odd year wait for a win in the National.
And victory there would go some way to making him forget the disaster that was Constitution Hill falling AGAIN in Thursday’s Aintree Hurdle.
The former Champion Hurdler crashed out two from home as Willie Mullins’ Lossiemouth stormed to victory.
More to follow.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
