Major Grand National changes confirmed as famous owner’s £80,000 horse among swathe of runners scratched from race
THE Grand National field has been radically altered yet again with a famous owner's £80,000 horse among a swathe of runners scratched.
Michelle Mone's Monbeg Genius, who was among the favourites for the £1million Aintree race just a few weeks ago, has been withdrawn by trainer Jonjo O'Neill.
It was originally thought the bra tycoon's horse could be barred from running in the world's most famous race as a result of a freezing order imposed on her and husband Doug Barrowman's assets amid a probe into an alleged £200million PPE fraud.
There was uproar when the BHA confirmed the horse could race - but now any chance he had is over after his trainer pulled the plug.
It means the number of potential British-trained horses continues to fall, especially after Paul Nicholls scratched his sole remaining runner.
The Ditcheat boss wants to aim Threeunderthrufive at the Jumps Season finale at Sandown later in April rather than Aintree.
While Nicky Henderson also used the latest National scratchings stage to remove last year's runner Mister Coffey.
Owned by billionaire Lady Bamford, he was only headed at the final flight and finished a valiant eighth, good enough to secure a cheque for £15,000.
Willie Mullins was also busy on Tuesday morning, pulling Asterion Forlonge and James Du Berlais.
While Gordon Elliott scratched Diol Ker, Dunboyne and Gevrey.
Gavin Cromwell, who looks set to saddle last year's runner-up Vanillier for another go, pulled Letsbeclearaboutit.
While Martin Brassil, whose Panda Boy has been smashed in the betting, scratched Longhouse Poet, who was sent off 20-1 for last year's race.
Other horses officially ruled out include former top weight and King George winner Hewick.
Joseph O'Brien's Busselton is out while fellow Irish trainers Colm Murphy and Seamus Mullins pulled Macs Charm and Moroder respectively.
Fiddlerontheroof, Highland Hunter and Revels Hill are also out.
This year's National will look very different to previous years after bosses brought in a number of changes.
The race will now be run at the earlier time of 4pm and the field slashed from 40 runners to just 34.
FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.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.begambleaware.org