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Ad Hoc impresses in Carberry trial

Connections expressed their delight with leading Martell Grand National fancy Ad Hoc after big-race jockey Paul Carberry acquainted himself with Paul Nicholls` horse this morning.

The Irish jockey was booked this week for the eight-year-old, who shares favourite status at 8-1 with Blowing Wind for the Aintree showpiece next Saturday.

Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden, said today: 'Paul Carberry came over last night to school Ad Hoc this morning over six Grand National-style fences at Paul Nicholls`.

'He jumped superbly and seems on good form with himself at the moment.'

Ad Hoc looks like making it a triple raid on the Stg#500,000 contest for jumps racing`s leading owner.

He and the Nicky Henderson-trained Marlborough are set to be joined in the line-up by Martin Todhunter`s Kingsmark.

And Simpson confirmed that the latter will have the services of Ruby Walsh, successful on Papillon for his father Ted in 2000 but declared a non-runner in this year`s renewal after suffering a setback.