Ferdy Murphy plans to school the heavily backed Martell Grand National hope Addington Boy over Aintree-type fences on Friday morning. The trainer explained: "I am very pleased with the horse, and I just hope the weather stays as it is and we get some decent ground at Aintree.

"Adrian Maguire will come up on Friday morning and pop him over the two National-type fences we have had built, that and a couple of blows is all the horse needs now."

Addington Boy is currently an 8 to 1 chance for the National with Ladbrokes.

Murphy confirmed that French Holly will go for the Martell Aintree Hurdle before heading for the French Champion Hurdle in June.

He has also mapped out a plan for Paddy's Return. "He will run in a £30,000 conditions hurdle at Ascot a week on Wednesday," he said.