Two more out of the big one with the going still heavy

Things can get no worse for connections of two of the final 40 runners in the Randox Health Grand National field. Both Regal Encore and Walk In The Mill have been taken out of the race, but neither on account of the ground.

Walk In The Mill, who set a record by getting in as third reserve less than 15 minutes before yesterday's cut-off, was found to be lame and will not run.

There was similar disappointment for connections of last year's eighth Regal Encore, whose blood analysis was found to be abnormal. He too will take no part in the big race, which is due off at 5.15.

Today's defections follow on from Friday's non-runners when three horses were taken out out of the race. Topweight Minella Rocco, dual Scottish Grand National winner Vicente and Beeves all don't run, meaning three reserves were drafted in, including Walk In The Mill.

The other two who made the 40 at the final hour and are set to run today are Thunder And Roses and Delusionofgrandeur.

This year's Grand National looks set to be run on heavy going for the first time since 2001, despite a dry night on Merseyside.

Aintree clerk of the course said on Saturday morning: "We've had a dry night and I've left it [the going description] as it was. It's heavy, soft in places on the Grand National course and soft all over on the hurdles and Mildmay courses."

He added: "We're not forecast any rain and, remarkably, we might even get some sun." Asked how the course tends to dry out, he replied: "It might get a little tacky as it dries, it's a sandy soil."

He continued: "It's just been a dreary spring – if you can can call it that. But it's one of those things and at least with no rain coming it will get no worse."

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