FERGIE SUTHERLAND yesterday ruled Go Go Gallant out of tomorrow week's Martell Grand National His gelding, backed from 40 to 1 in to 33 to 1 for Aintree with William Hill in recent days, has suffered a setback.
"He won't run because he has got a bit of a leg," the Cork based trainer said. "It's all hypothetical now but I think he would have been one of the favourites. We are looking forward to next year."
The eight year old Go Go Gallant was fourth in the Irish Grand National last season and was runner up at Punchestown and Gowran Park in his two starts this term.
Stable companion Imperial Call is to be given a long break after being pulled when bidding to repeat his 1996 Cheltenham Gold Cup success a fortnight ago. "He is in super shape but he had a few things hurting him," Sutherland said.
"There was definitely something hurting him in the race. You'll see him next in the Morris Oil Chase at Clonmel on November 6th."
Timmy Murphy is looking forward to his first ride in the National after escaping virtually unscathed from a terrible fall at Ascot. "I'm virtually certain to be riding in the National though I can't reveal the name of the horse est yet as a few things have to be sorted out," he said yesterday.
Graham Bradley is far from certain to team up with Master Oats in the big race, his agent stressed yesterday. Press speculation has suggested that the 36 year old jockey will partner the 1995 Gold Cup winner if Kim Bailey decides to run him.
But Bradley's agent Graeme James said: "Nothing has been decided and I haven't been approached by Mr Bailey. I've just read that Graham is on the short list.
"Graham has been linked with four or five horses in the race and we are just sitting tight, waiting on the ground and other riding plans.
Bradley, who has completed the course just twice in 10 Grand National rides, is available as his main trainer Charlie Brooks has handed the ride on leading fancy Suny Bay to Jamie Osborne.
James also warned that events may lead to Charlie Swan, whom he also represents in Britain, switching from Lo Stregone in the big race. "If Paul Carberry and Norman Williamson are not fit he might be claimed for an Irish runner," he said. "There could be a big knock on effect and a major turnaround like a merry go round of jockeys."
The British Horseracing Board will not recommend any change to the current arrangements for the Grand National weights despite the threat of numerous runners from out of the handicap in this year's race.
The race planning committee considered the matter as Master Oats, on 11st 10lb, is 15lb clear of any other remaining entrant for the race.
Should Master Oats be declared to run next Thursday but subsequently be withdrawn, the actual topweight in the race will be no higher than 10st 9lb, with a maximum of only 11 horses carrying their allotted weights.
The committee discussed a number of possible measures, including reversion to the normal 24 hour declaration and also allowing weights to be raised after the time of declaration.
But after taking account of likely problems and the undesirable precedent represented by modifying race conditions at such late notice, the committee decided not to ask, the BHB to take any special measures.
. Aldaniti, the 1981 Grand National winner, has died at the age of 27. The horse on whom Bob Champion fought back from cancer to gain a fairytale triumph passed away peacefully at his owner's home in Kirtling, Sussex.
