Officials at Aintree report "lovely jumping ground" on the Grand National course. Although the dry spell has led to concerns for the three-day meeting, regular watering is maintaining good ground. Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said, "We started our watering programme in good time and have been putting on between four and 10 millimetres daily for two weeks.
"The Grand National course has lovely jumping ground and, according to the going stick, is slightly easier at the moment than the Mildmay course."
Bill Imison reached a landmark as an owner when Dispol Isle gave him his 50th success as she completed a double for the in-form David Barron at Musselburgh yesterday. The five-year-old travelled well for Paul Fessey in the US PGA Tour Only On Setanta Gold Handicap and picked up well to beat Motu by a length and a half.
Imison has had horses in training for "about 15 years" and when asked which was his best win, he said: "Every one is the best on the day. But I am particularly pleased to have reached the half-century here because Anthea Morshead, who is clerk of the course, rode three winners for me when I had horses with the late Peter Calver."
Barron, who has trained 18 of the Imison winners, had earlier been on the mark with the well-backed How's She Cuttin', who gained her third course and distance success in the setanta.com Fillies' Handicap.
The 7-2 favourite struck the front going well about a furlong out but then drifted badly right - despite Phillip Makin using his whip in his right hand - and carried Hypnosis, who ran out of room close home, with her.
She had had a length and a quarter to spare at the line but had to survive an enquiry, though the result was allowed to stand, officials taking the view the incident had not affected her placing.
Brian Ellison's grand old campaigner Court Of Appeal (3-1 favourite) gained his 12th career success in game style in the racinguk.tv Selling Stakes under apprentice Jamie Moriarty.
Jim Goldie sent out his third winner in two days when 5-2 favourite Kyber won the racing UK Part of Setanta Sports Pack Handicap. Mark Johnston's Record Breaker opened his account at the second attempt in the Setanta Sports PackMaiden Stakes. Joe Fanning's mount, sent off the 5-4 favourite, ran green and left the impression a mile and a half will suit in time.
Neil Callan missed his first ride of the day because his flight was 45 minutes late taking off but ended with a winner when Alan Swinbank's Jojesse (11-4) showed the way home in the Racing UK Sky Channel 432 Handicap.
