'It's a bit surreal' - owner McNeill starting to dream of double National glory

A Grand National double at Ayr and Aintree is the dream for Max McNeill but the leading owner confessed he was not immune to the financial headwinds facing the sport and said a major rise in costs could force him to reduce his numbers.

The Wolf contests the Coral Scottish Grand National (3.35) on Saturday before leading contender Escaria Ten heads to Aintree for the Randox Grand National seven days later.

But in the background lurk the storm clouds of spiralling fuel and feed prices which trainers fear will trigger increased fees for owners, with the Racehorse Owners Association expressing concerns over the potential implications of an extended cost of living crisis, including fewer horses in training.