Racing: Jonjo O'Neill is hopeful but not bullish ahead of Clan Royal's bid to make it third time lucky in tomorrow's John Smith's Grand National at Aintree.
The 11-year-old will be lining up in the four-and-a-half-mile marathon for the third successive year after finishing second in 2004 and being unluckily carried out 12 months ago.
Clan Royal was in front and travelling strongly for Tony McCoy when he collided with a loose horse at Becher's on the second circuit but O'Neill thinks his charge is facing an uphill challenge against some classy rivals, headed by last year's winner Hedgehunter.
"Of course we are looking forward to it," he said. "He's had a grand prep up until now - everything has gone as planned and he is in great old order. I have no excuses for him.
"To be fair last year's winner ran a blinder in the Gold Cup and if you take that form literally we have no business running because he is a different class horse altogether.
"Our fellow is not a good horse, we know that, but you bring the Aintree factor into it and then he is a good horse round here.
"There is not just Hedgehunter, there are a dozen other better horses than him in the race really but let's hope that he gets into a good rhythm and he jumps well and he puts up a good show.
"Going literally on form he has no business running but that would be the same for the last couple of years.
"Hopefully he will relax a bit more this year - I think he will as he has run a bit more so he won't be as fresh as he was last year - and hopefully things will fall into place.
"We say every year that we are due a bit of luck but we don't always get it! Hopefully he will put up a good show and we will all be happy."
Clan Royal is the 5-1 favourite with William Hill for the race, with Hedgehunter next best on 11-2. PA