Deadline beats Concerto team Trainer Dianne Sayer was left frustrated and disappointed after Baileys Concerto was agonisingly denied a run in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree. The nine-year-old staying chaser was first reserve for the most high-profile race of the jumps season, but he was eliminated at the 9am cut-off point on Friday morning after there were no withdrawals. But just over two hours later, trainer Karen McLintock was forced to declare Carlito Brigante a non-runner due to lameness. The latter's defection means what should have been a 40-strong National will now be at least one runner short. Though measured in her reaction to the news, Sayer would nonetheless like to see the elimination deadline extended by at least a few more hours. The Cumbria handler said: "I do feel the deadline is too early. What's the point of having reserves if they are going to be taken out at 9am? Certainly lunchtime on the Friday would be more sensible. "At 9am, it's a very busy time for trainers as you don't just have one horse in a yard to look after. They are highly spirited animals, and anything can happen to them, as we've seen. "With a race like the National, it doesn't seem to make sense having one less runner when there were four reserves. "I'm not just disappointed for the horse, I'm disappointed for the owners, who are ordinary, working chaps. All they want is to have a runner in the National. It's everyone's dream, the chance for a miracle and the chance of a fairytale. "I'm never one to be shouting and screaming, and I must stress the industry has been very, very good to us, but I feel quite saddened by the whole thing. Baileys Concerto might be there in 12 months' time, but this was his year." McLintock was understandably crestfallen by having to take Carlito Brigante out of the National. She said: "I'm absolutely floored, to be honest. To get this close and then just miss out is heartbreaking." British Horseracing Authority director of racing Ruth Quinn said: "The stewards have conducted an enquiry into the withdrawal of Carlito Brigante. They spoke to the trainer, who informed them that the first indication of a potential problem was not until after the horse had been exercised, which was at around 9am, when the deadline had already passed. "The horse was then examined by a vet before being withdrawn. "The policy in Britain is that we do not have day-of-race reserves. This policy is based on consultation with the industry. It is something that we trialled in the past, but the industry rejected the trial almost unanimously - including by trainers, owners, bookmakers and punters. "It is a shame that Carlito Brigante was not able to take up his place, but, following the trial of raceday reserves it was agreed by all that there should be a strict deadline, which is currently 9am the day before the race." The other reserves who missed out were Duke Of Lucca, Raz De Maree and The Package.
