RACING/Grand National News: Owner JP McManus and trainer Christy Roche threw serious doubts yesterday on the chances of Youlneverwalkalone running in Saturday's Martell Grand National.

The horse has been all the rage in the ante-post market and has been described by one firm as the best backed horse in Grand National history.

However, the dry conditions at Aintree are threatening to scupper Youlneverwalkalone's attempt.

"If the forecast stays as it is I would say he is an unlikely runner.

"Certainly we will be making a late decision about him and Like-A-Butterfly in the Martell Hurdle.

"There has been a lot of hype about Youlneverwalkalone and we would advise people wanting to back him to wait until the day of the race," Roche said yesterday.

There has been a continuous watering policy at Aintree in the last week, however, which threatens to spike the plunge on the Irish horse that has taken him all the way down to 9-1.

"All the signs are that Youlneverwalkalone will be the best backed horse in Grand National history," said a Ladbrokes spokesman yesterday.

"Every self-respecting Liverpool and Celtic fan will be backing him," he added.

Meanwhile, a total of 81 horses remained in the race after yesterday's confirmation stage.

There were no surprise withdrawals from Saturday's marathon, with all the leading fancies standing their ground for a race which has a safety limit of 40.

There were 24 withdrawals yesterday including Cyfor Malta, Davids Lad, Foxchapel King, Hussard Collonges and More Than A Stroll. The latter holds an entry in Thursday's Martell Cognac Cup.

Francois Doumen hopes to make a decision today on whether to run First Gold in that race or Saturday's feature but confirmed Djeddah was on course for the Grand National.