LO STREGONE is all the rage for the Martell Grand National, with William Hill, Ladbrokes and the Tote all reporting strong support for Tom Tate's charge. "This horse has been backed throughout the day and is now 16 to 1 Cofavourite along with Deep Bramble and Young Hustler," said Hill's spokesman David Hood.

Ladbrokes representative Ian Wassell echoed Hood's comments. "Lo Stregone has joined Smith's Band, Deep Bramble and Young Hustler at the head of our National betting," he said.

Up to 23 horses, including four from this country, are in line to challenge for a £58,000 bonus as entries for the Greenalls Grand National Trial at Haydock on February 24th. Any one of them can claim the windfall for connections by finishing first, second or third in Britain's second most valuable handicap chase en route to victory in the Grand National itself.

National favourite Deep Bramble heads the entries, which total 34, for the £80,000 contest alongside Jodami, former Aintree winners Miinnehoma and Party Politics, past Scottish National winners Willsford and Captain Dibble, and last year's winner of the Haydock race, Nuaffe.

Michael Kinane was in fine form in Hong Kong on Wednesday, recording a treble on Lockhart's Lot, Legitimate and Jade Age at Happy Valley.

. Matt Mitchell, general manager of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, has taken on the additional role as marketing director of the Irish Horseracing Authority. His new responsibilities will include the promotion and marketing of racing and attracting increased sponsorship to the sport.