Racing: Hedgehunter and Royal Auclair, the first two home, in last year's John Smith's Grand National, head a maximum field of 40 declared at the final 48-hour stage for the Aintree spectacular.
The Willie Mullins-trained Hedgehunter, who romped home by 14 lengths in the hands of Ruby Walsh 12 months, bids to become the first horse since the legendary Red Rum in 1974 to land back-to-back victories in the world's greatest steeplechase.
Sir Rembrandt was ruled out this morning after an 11th-hour setback, while Eurotrek, Ollie Magern and Ground Ball were expected withdrawals.
However, Spot Thedifference, who would have made the cut, was not declared by trainer Enda Bolger. Spot Thedifference, who has got round in the last two Nationals, misses the race as his blood is not quite right.
The 13-year-old will now be aimed at the La Touche Cup, sponsored by Blue Square, at Punchestown on April 27th.
Bolger said: "We had a blood test taken yesterday and the vet's just said his blood count wasn't 100 per cent so we are going to leave him and hopefully we will get him right for Punchestown.
Spot Thedifference's owner JP McManus still has four chances to break his Grand National duck headed by leading fancy Clan Royal, the mount of champion jockey Tony McCoy.
Runner-up in 2004, the Jonjo O'Neill-trained 11-year-old was in front when carried out by a loose horse at Becher's second time round.
McManus's colours will also be carried by Innox, First Gold and Risk Accessor. He is also responsible for the second reserve, Knife Edge.
Dun Doire, who was as low as 14-1 after winning his last six races, failed by five to be a reserve.