BOOKMAKERS yesterday announced that all bets on the Grand National will stand. Most firms, however, stressed that they will agree to any requests from customers to cancel bets on the race.

Paddy Power will refund any stakes on any horses that do not run and on which bets were placed on or since last Monday. In addition, any ante-post bets placed prior to that date on horses which were declared to run on Saturday but do not now take part, will be refunded.

Ladbrokes spokesman Mike Dillon said: "For any bets struck on non-runners from Saturday March 29th onwards stakes will be refunded.

"All bets struck from 10 a.m. on Thursday will stand. However, any customer wishing to cancel their bets can do so on request."