Racing: Tony McCoy has been confirmed as the rider of the Butler's Cabin in Saturday's Grand National at Aintree.
The 13-times champion jockey has failed to win the world’s most famous steeplechase in 13 previous attempts and has been deliberating all week which one of four horses he would ride for his boss JP McManus.
However, after leaving the decision as late as possible, he has sided with Butler’s Cabin, who he rode in the race 12 months ago before the pair parted company at Becher’s Brook on the second circuit.
“Tony has decided to go with Butler’s Cabin and all four horses will run,” said McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry.
“Robert Thornton will ride L’Ami, Noel Fehily rides Can’t Buy Time and Mark Walsh rides Reveillez.”
The top 40 in the handicap from the confirmation stage on Monday — with the exception of the already scratched War Of Attrition — all stood their ground for the Aintree marathon at the final declaration stage, meaning Zabenz takes his place at the foot of the weights on 10st 5lb.
Cloudy Lane has the burden of top-weight under 11st 10lb as he bids to give the McCain family another National success, while last year’s winner Comply Or Die shoulders 11st 6lb for David Pipe and David Johnson.
Ante-post favourite My Will (11st 4lb) is one of four runners for champion trainer Paul Nicholls, with Eurotrek (11st 3lb), Big Fella Thanks (11st 1lb) and Cornish Sett (10st 10lb) all lining up.
Becher Chase winner Black Apalachi carries 11st 5lb along with former Irish Grand National winner Hear The Echo, while leading fancy Rambling Minster has 10st 9lb.