CHARLIE SWAN yesterday played down reports linking him to the Grand National ride on well backed Wylde Hide. Though the Irish champion jockey is booked to ride Lo Stregone at Aintree next Saturday, there has been speculation that he might switch to Arthur Moore's gelding who has been the subject of a big recent gamble.

But Swan said "At the moment I am booked to ride Lo Stregone and as far as I'm concerned that's who I'll be on."

Wylde Hide is currently 10 to 1 joint second favourite for the Grand National with Ladbrokes, who quote Lo Stregone at 16 to 1.