Meade's National hope A Genie In Abottle found dead in his stable

A Genie In Abottle, who was a 50-1 shot for the Randox Health Grand National, collapsed and died in his box at trainer Noel Meade's Tu Va Stables in County Meath on Friday.

Meade reported: "Unfortunately we found A Genie In Abottle on the floor of his box this afternoon. He obviously dropped dead.

"He hadn't been quite himself over the past few days but neither us nor our vets thought there was a serious problem."

A seven-year-old owned by Gigginstown House Stud, A Genie In Abottle won a bumper, a hurdle race and three chases. He started favourite for the 2017 National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, in which he finished fifth.

He finished second to Bellshill in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February on what proved to be his final start.

Meade will be represented in the National by the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup third Road To Riches, also owned by Gigginstown. Sean Flanagan will take the ride.

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