Berlais to carry top weight in National The weights for Saturday's John Smith's Grand National will remain the same after connections of Madison Du Berlais revealed he will take his chance under the welter burden of 11st 10lb. With Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander heading for Thursday's totesport Bowl - a race Madison Du Berlais won 12 months ago - trainer David Pipe has instead decided to let his nine-year-old line up in the world's most famous steeplechase. Assistant trainer Chester Barnes said: "It has been decided that Madison Du Berlais will not take up his engagement in the Bowl at Aintree on Thursday, but will instead head for a crack at the John Smith's Grand National. "Tom Scudamore will partner our nine-year-old in the showpiece after schooling him over our National fences at home, he jumped very well and everyone could not be more pleased with his preparation."
