TERRY CASEY has given the Aintree Grand National a boost by announcing that Rough Quest may after all run in the race a week on Saturday. But the £250,000 contest is all but certain to have less than the maximum 40 runners after four further defections were announced yesterday.
Which means that the system for big race reserves, introduced for the first time this year, is most unlikely to come into operation.
Rough Quest was initially ruled out of Aintree after finishing second to Imperial Call in the Gold Cup last week but could now be set to take his chance after a change of heart by connections.
He has been reinstated as 4 to 1 favourite by Ladbrokes for the race, in which he has been allocated just 9st 121b.
"We are now considering the Grand National for Rough Quest," the trainer said. "I cantered him yesterday morning and he felt really well and in great form. So I phoned his owner Andrew Wates in the evening and he came down and cantered him this morning.
"We then had a discussion and have made a joint decision to consider the National. We will make a final decision at the weekend and not keep people hanging on.
The Irish National had been the originally announced target for Rough Quest but Casey, said "The Grand National looks a very good opportunity for him. He will have lumps of weight in the Irish National and he is better going lefthanded."
Mick Fitzgerald will ride Rough Quest if he runs. The jockey had agreed to take the mount on the Nick Gaselee trained Bavard Dieu but, after discussing the matter with Gaselee at Towcester yesterday, said "Mr Gaselee has agreed to me rig Rough Quest although I don't think that he is very happy about it.
The National has suffered from the defection of top weights Jodami, Dublin Flyer and last year's winner Royal Athlete in recent days. A maximum of no more than 38 runners will line up for the four and a half mile race, with that figure subject to significant reduction by changes in the going and alternative running plans, Gold Cup winning jockey Conor O'Dwyer is confirmed for Son Of War. He takes over from Francis Woods who is claimed for Wylde Hide.
But Tommy Stack, who rode Red Rum to his third Grand National win, has been forced to admit defeat in his battle to get Gale Again fit for the race. "He is going to be taken out as he has had a setback," the trainer said.
Over The Deel third at 100 to 1 from 25lb out of the handicap under Chris Bonner 12 months ago, will be back, despite not having finished closer than third in five outings on park courses this term.
Bonner is set to partner Sir Peter Lely, runner up to Young Hustler in the Becher Chase over the National fences last November.
John White confirmed last year's fifth Into The Red a definite runner. "He has do he a bit of work today and seems fine and he will definitely run. Dean Gallagher rides him."
Red Rum's trainer Ginger McCain will be represented by winning two mile chaser Sure Metal, to be ridden by his son. Donald. "He definitely runs and he is very, very well," McCain said. "He's an old lad who won't get the trip but he is going to enjoy himself."
Miracle Man and Gold Cap are other second forfeit stage. acceptors to miss the race.
Simon McNeill, recovering from a dislocated shoulder, hopes to return to action by the middle of next week and prove his fitness to partner Bishops Hall.
