Lee Confirmed For Amberleigh Ride

Graham Lee will again ride 2004 Grand National hero Amberleigh House in this year's renewal of the John Smith's-sponsored marathon at Aintree.

Ginger McCain delivered the news on the back of his 14-year-old finishing a staying-on seventh behind Our Armageddon in the Singer & Friedlander Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter on Saturday.

'I spoke to Graham and he confirmed he'll definitely be riding Amberleigh,' said the Cholmondeley-based handler.

'He also said off that weight and at Aintree, we would have to be considered by the rest.'

McCain reported Amberleigh House to be none the worse for his efforts at Uttoxeter, where he jumped well and finished full of running ? despite losing his place on the first circuit.

The admirable gelding, currently a general 50-1 chance to win the National, will now have another run before going to Aintree.

'He can't gallop on that ground but he didn't really struggle on it either,' added McCain.

'I was a shade disappointed when he dropped out quite quickly but his jumping was impeccable and, although it sounds daft, he probably wants five miles now.

'The plan was to always have another outing with him but I wouldn't have a clue where yet.'

By contrast to Amberleigh House's satisfactory effort, McCain's other Grand National hope Ebony Light failed to land a blow in the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup Chase at Haydock.

The 10-year-old did not jump off with the rest and finished well in arrears of subsequent winner Ossmoses.

'In all honesty I was disappointed with Ebony Light,' said McCain. 'He missed the break and seemed to spit his dummy out after that.

'He's alright after the race and will now go straight to Liverpool.'

? PA Sport