The Grand National has a very large field, and every year there are non-runners for the race. This can be due to injury or as simple as being based on the ground at Aintree.
Currently the going is good to soft on the National course, with watering taking place overnight due to the dry and sunny conditions at Aintree.
The clerk of the course, Sulekha Varma confirmed that the course had been watered overnight, saying: “I am describing the Mildmay & Hurdles courses as Good, Good to Soft in places, and the Grand National Good to Soft, Good in Places ahead of Randox Grand National Day.
READ MORE: Grand National 2022 final 40 runners and riders confirmed at Aintree
“We are watering both courses and will be putting 3mm on the Mildmay & Hurdle courses and 5mm on the Grand National course. By starting out wide we are providing fresh ground every day, so the rails will be moved in three or four yards again so that on Saturday they are at their innermost position.”
The weather looks set fair for the Grand National. Varma added: “Tomorrow is forecast to be very similar to today, which has been lovely. It’s going to be sunny, with just the slight chance of an isolated shower.”
Currently three horses have pulled out: Phoenix Way – replaced by first reserve Commodore , Easysland – replaced by second reserve School Boy Hours and Lord du Mesnil – replaced by third reserve Romain De Senam.
All three were pulled out ahead of the 13:00 BST deadline for reserves with Lord Du Mesnil withdrawn by trainer Richard Hobson, Easyland failing a late fitness test and Phoenix Way withdrawing due to a temperature.
N ON-RUNNERS for Grand National Day:
1:45pm EFT Construction Handicap Hurdle
2 Third Wind (Going)
2:25pm Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle
5 Harbour Lake (Vet’s Certificate, Lame)
3.00pm Poundland Maghull Novices’ Chase
4 Fugitif (Going)
3.35pm JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle
1 Ashdale Bob (Vet’s Certificate, Other)
4.15pm Betway Handicap Chase
3 Empire Steel (Vet’s Certificate, Lame)
8 Commodore (Other - runs in Grand National)
6.20pm Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open NHF Race
4 Crambo (Self Certificate, Going)
15 Rockinastorm (Going)
