Sport

Major plunge on Royal

Clan Royal could be challenging for Martell Cognac Grand National favouritism if support for the Jonjo O'Neill-trained gelding…

Tue Mar 30 2004 - 01:00

Clan Royal could be challenging for Martell Cognac Grand National favouritism if support for the Jonjo O'Neill-trained gelding continues this week.

A total of 61 horses stood their ground at yesterday's five-day confirmation stage and Coral have cut the nine-year-old, who already has winning form to his name over the big fences this season, to 11 to 1 from 14 to 1.

It comes in the wake of what they describe as a "nationwide plunge" inspired by a major tipping line. "We laid Clan Royal to lose over a hundred grand in the space of half an hour and with bets still coming in for him, he could well be the clear favourite by tomorrow," said spokesman Simon Clare.

O'Neill is also responsible for Joss Naylor and he is happy with the condition of both his horses. "Both Clan Royal and Joss Naylor will run," he said. "Paul Carberry will ride Joss and Liam Cooper will ride Clan Royal.

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"There have been no problems with either of them and both are in great form, touch wood. I am very happy with them."

Timbera and Hedgehunter head Clan Royal in the ante-post markets and both remain in the race, as does the Francois Doumen-trained top-weight First Gold. A decision has yet to be taken on First Gold's participation, according to Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.

"Francois hasn't made his mind up yet and we won't decide for sure until Wednesday morning, but at the moment the Martell Cup is the favourite," he said.

"It just depends upon the going and a couple of other things, but if he does go for the National then Thierry (Doumen) will ride him.

"It looks as if JP is going to have four runners in the race - Le Coudray, Spot Thedifference, Clan Royal and Risk Accessor."

A maximum field of 40 will face the starter at the weekend and Lord Atterbury is the last horse to make the cut at this stage. Rince Ri heads the list of 16 horses taken out of the race. Others to be withdrawn include Swansea Bay, Valley Henry, Take The Stand, The Bushkeeper and Be My Manager.

Nicky Henderson was left devastated at having to scratch The Bushkeeper. "It's absolutely heartbreaking, but he went wrong again at the weekend," the trainer said. "It's just unbelievable."