Sport

Punters give Pitman chance of third win

PUNTERS yesterday followed trainers with Aintree Grand National winning form on the day the most famous Aintree handler of all…

Tue Apr 01 1997 - 01:00

PUNTERS yesterday followed trainers with Aintree Grand National winning form on the day the most famous Aintree handler of all was reduced to the role of spectator for Saturday's race.

Ginger McCain, whose name became virtually synonymous with Aintree thanks to Red Rum's three victories in the mid 1970s, will be without a runner in the Martell sponsored race.

At yesterday's five day declaration stage for the £250,000 added contest he was forced to withdraw Commercial Artist, who was bought in January specifically to run in the race.

"He's had a training setback and we've just run out of time," revealed McCain's wife Beryl.

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"But hopefully he will go back with a good chance next year. He's a very nice horse and he's got the ability to run a good race there."

Ante post punters latched on to Gordon Richards and Jenny Pitman, who are both aiming for a third Aintree Grand National victory.

Richards' announcement that Buckboard Bounce, who ran over hurdles last Saturday, will bid to emulate Lucius (1978) and Hallo Dandy (1984) on Saturday led to a wave of support, with the gelding's price cut from 33 to 1 to 20 to 1 by the Tote.

Mrs Pitman's Nahthen Lad attracted "really good money" with William Hill who cut his odds in to 16 to 1 from 20 to 1 to follow in the hoofprints of Corbiere (1983) and Royal Athlete (1995).

Mrs Pitman will rely on Nahthen Lad and Smith's Band on Saturday, having taken out Mudahim, who won the Irish Grand National yesterday.

But fellow Fairyhouse runner Sister Stephanie has been left in by Graham McCourt for a race which could still have a maximum field of 40.

There had been fears that the Aintree spectacular, which attracted only 27 runners last year, could cut up again when just 54 horses were left in at the second forfeit stage.

But only nine dropped out after the five day declarations leaving 45 still engaged in the four and a half mile contest.

Master Oats remains at the head of the weights, with trainer Kim Bailey due to decide on his participation when he walks the course before final declarations are made on Thursday morning.