AINTREE'S attempts to ensure a guaranteed field of 40 for the Martell Grand National received a boost yesterday when it was announced that agreement had been reached with the British Horse racing Board over the inclusion of reserve horses for the March 30th spectacular.

The move comes in the wake of the recent announcement that the BHB had approved a 48 hour declaration deadline for the race.

And, in another positive move, Grand National acceptors who run on the opening day of the meeting just hours after the 48 hour stage on Thursday, March 28th will face no disciplinary action if they defect from the big race.

The new system requires that in the event that the number of declared runners at the 48 hour stage exceeds the safety factor of 40, the trainers of horses not amongst the 40 highest weighted at the five day stage (March 25th) must indicate, at the 48 hour declaration stage, whether they are prepared for their horses to be reserves.