BUMPER NATIONAL ENTRY

Officials at Aintree today described themselves as 'thrilled' by a bumper entry for this year`s Martell Grand National.

A total of 133 horses have been entered for the April 7th contest which has only been bettered in recent times by the 141 for the 1984 renewal.

The weights for the stg#500,000 contest are issued on February 6th and are likely to be headed by 1999 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner See More Business.

Other high-class horses to be entered include the Willie Mullins-trained Florida Pearl, one of 24 Irish entries, and Marlborough from Nicky Henderson`s stable.

The first 12 home in last year`s National, led by Ted Walsh`s Papillon and including 1999 winner Bobbyjo, could all run again.

And 1997 winner Lord Gyllene is one of 14 entries from Martin Pipe`s stable which also number last year`s favourite Dark Stranger.

Other notable entries include Whitbread Gold Cup winner Beau and Young Kenny, who will bag a stg#250,000 bonus if he adds the National to his Tote Becher Chase victory in November.

There are five possibles from France plus Marketplace from the Czech Republic.

Among the names missing from the entries include Papillon`s stablemate Rince Ri, Coral Eurobet Welsh National winner Jock`s Cross and Ad Hoc.

Aintree managing director Charles Barnett said: 'We are thrilled with both the number and, in particular, the quality of the entries, which supports our prize-money policy, with the 2001 Martell Grand National being worth stg#500,000.

'The tremendous backing we received last year from Ireland has continued with a record 24 entries from across the Irish Sea and no doubt they are after a third consecutive victory.

'It is also encouraging to see five French-trained entries and an experienced contender from the Czech Republic.'

AINTREE GRAND NATIONAL ENTRIES:

Ackzo, Addington Boy, Alexander Banquet, Aller Moor, Amberleigh House, Ambleside, Amlah, Andsuephi, Andy`s Birthday, Arctic Chanter, Ardent Scout, Art Prince, Atavistic, Bank Avenue, Beau, Belussac, Blowing Wind, Bobbyjo, Bold Action, Bosuns Mate, Bouchasson, Brave Highlander, Browjoshy, Buck Rogers, Callfourseasons, Calling Wild, Call It A Day, Call Me Dara, Careysville, Cavalero, Chopwell Curtains, Commanche Court.

Dark Stranger, Delgany Royal, Disco des Mottes, Djeddah, Dr Bones, Earthmover, Edmond, Eltigri, Empereur River, Esprit de Cotte, Exit Swinger, Fadalko, Feathered Leader, Feels Like Gold, Florida Pearl, Foxchapel King, Gadz`art, General Wolfe, Glitter Isle, Good Lord Murphy, Grass Island, Grey Jack, Hanakham, Him of Praise, Hollybank Buck, Hurdante, Inch Rose, Inis Cara, Inn At The Top, Kaki Crazy, Kendal Cavalier, King On The Run, Kings Cherry, Kingsmark.

Lady of Gortmerron, Lance Armstrong, Lanturn, Linden`s Lotto, Listen Timmy, Lord Gyllene, Lucky Town, Luzcadou, Marketplace, Marlborough, Mely Moss, Menesonic, Merry People, Micko`s Dream, Mister One, Montroe, Moondigua, Moral Support, Mulligan`s Boy, Niki Dee, Noble Lord, Nordic Prince, No Retreat, Norlandic, Northern Starlight, Nosam, Or Royal, Paddy`s Return, Papillon, Parahandy, Potentate, Promalee, Puget Blue.

Radiation, Rathbawn Prince, Red Ark, Red Marauder, Relaxation, Riot Leader, River Cora, Royal Predica, Royal Tommy, Samuel Wilderspin, Scotton Green, See Just There, See More Business, Senor El Betrutti, Shannon Gale, Shuil`s Star, Skillwise, Smarty, Spanish Main, Sparky Gayle, Streamstown, Strong Tel, Supreme Charm, Take Control, The Last Fling, The Outback Way, The Toiseach, Torduff Express, Tresor de Mai, Tyndarius, Unsinkable Boxer, Village King, You`re Agoodun, Young Kenny. (133).