ROYAL ATHLETE is on course for a bid to repeat last year's success in the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, March 30th.

The 13 year old, who gave Jenny Pitman her second win in the race when he scored at 40 to last year, was among 82 entries for the four and a half miles race which closed at noon yesterday.

He has not run yet this season but Mrs Pitman's son and assistant Mark explained: "He is fine and we are buildings his whole year around Aintree.

"He is coming along steadily and hopefully he will have one or possibly two runs before Liverpool. But we are taking care with him and won't rush him.

Mrs Pitman ran six horses in last year's National and has entered five in the contest this time, including last Saturday's Peter Marsh Chase runner up Smith's Band.

"Smith's Band is an improving horse who has done absolutely nothing wrong this season," Mark Pitman said. "He jumps and stays and looks the ideal National horse."

But stable companion Garrison. Savannah, runner up in the 1991 National and a runner at Aintree in each of the last two years, will not be in the field this time.

Last year's runner up Party Politics - the winner in 1992 - and third placed Over The Deel have both been entered again, along with the 1994 winner Miinnehoma.

The last named is one of a seven strong entry from Martini Pipe's stable which also includes the convalescent pair Carvill's Hill and Lord Relic.

Irish National winner Flashing Steel heads the Irish brigade of 15 entries.

Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Jodami and Master Oats have been entered, while at the other end of the scale Miracle Man has been put in the race after just one outing over fences.