Record entry left in National

A record 83 horses were left in the Martell Grand National at the second forfeit stage today, headed by Florida Pearl on 11st 10lb.

The previous best was 73 last year and a maximum field of 40 looks sure to go to post for the four-and-a-half-mile test at Aintree, which carries Stg£500,000 in added prize money.

Alexander Banquet, sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, is among the entries from Ireland who also include Davids Lad, who finished third in the Cathcart Chase at the Festival, and Papillon who won the Grand National two years ago.

Martin Pipe, who saddled 10 of last season`s 40 runners, has left a dozen horses in next month`s renewal and they include the 2001 third Blowing Wind who heads the market after his win in the Mildmay Of Flete Chase at Cheltenham.

Ferdy Murphy is another with a strong hand with five intended runners in Ackzo, Birkdale, Luzcadou, Paris Pike at Streamstown who worked at Aintree this morning.

Birkdale carries the hopes of big race glory for Wigan-based solicitor Duncan Norbury who won ownership of the horse for the day in a competition organised by the bookmakers Sporting Index.

Apart from Welsh National winner Supreme Glory, who has suffered a setback, all the main contenders remain in the race.

Champion British owner Sir Robert Ogden has a strong team which includes Marlborough, Kingsmark and Ad Hoc.

Moor Lane, one of the leading fancies since his victory in the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster in January, last year`s runner-up Smarty and Beau, who was travelling well when brought down last year, all stand their ground.