British racing got a welcome boost today with the biggest show of support for the Martell Grand National in 12 years. Just 24 hours after the sport was plunged into darkness by the arrest of three jockeys, its showpiece event had received its largest entry since 1986.
No fewer than 106 horses were put in the April 4th Aintree marathon by the noon entry deadline.
They include the 1996 winner Rough Quest and Suny Bay, second last year behind the sidelined Lord Gyllene.
Ireland, without a win since L'Escargot scored in 1975, has 14 in, including Wylde Hide, very well backed last year, and Time for a Run, who won the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
But leading Gold Cup hopes Danoli, Imperial Call and Dorans Pride are all absent.
The biggest vote of confidence came from dual winning trainer Gordon Richards, who has put 10 in the line up.
His team include 1997 fourth Buckboard Bounce plus Gold Cup contenders Addington Boy and The Grey Monk.
Not far behind is Martin Pipe, winner with Miinnehoma in 1994, whose nine-strong team include Challenger du Luc and beaten Welsh National favourite Cyborgo.
Jenny Pitman has four in the race, including leading fancy Nahthen Lad and Irish National winner Mudahim. The latter is joined also by last year's Welsh National winner Earth Summit and Belmont King, successful in the Scottish equivalent.
Mrs Pitman's son Mark has entered Superior Finish, who was third in the race two years ago.
Those to have won over the unique Aintree fences in the past include Into The Red and Young Hustler, both successful in the Becher Chase, and Bells Life and Joe White, winners of the last two runnings of the John Hughes Chase.
The US could figure with Maryland Hunt Cup winner Buck Jakes, whose current trainer Tim Forster - three times a winner - has also entered last Saturday's Peter Marsh Chase winner, General Wolfe.
Sole French entry is the Francois Doumen-trained Ciel de Brion.
Aintree managing director Charles Barnet said: "This is a tremendous entry, further justifying our changes in the race conditions prior to last year's race.
"Not only do we have the quantity but also quality with such horses as Rough Quest, Suny Bay, The Grey Monk, Coome Hill and Couldnt Be Better.
"I am particularly pleased to see Francois Doumen's Ciel de Brion and Buck Jakes from the States amongst the entries and the Irish entry of 14 contains some interesting contenders."
The weights for the four and half mile race are due to be unveiled on February 10th.
