TIME For A Run, one of the leading fancies for Saturday's Martell Grand National, will miss the race.
Edward O'Grady's 10-year-old, the intended mount of Norman Williamson, has been heavily supported for the race in recent weeks but owner J P McManus, speaking at Fairyhouse yesterday, said: "l don't know exactly what the injury is but 1 am told he has chipped a joint and obviously he is out of Aintree, which is a bit of a blow at this stage."
The news will come as a kick in the teeth for one mystery punter, who shocked the staff of a William Hill betting office in London last month by producing £21,800 in cash to back Time For A Run.
He staked £10,000 to win, £900 tax paid, at 25 to 1 and the same stakeat 2O to 1.
Time For A Run was 10 to 1 fourth favourite with both Ladbrokes and William Hill before being removed from their lists.
Williamson is now on standby to ride top weight Master Oats, whose participation is looking increasingly likely.
Trainer Kim Bailey will walk the course early this morning to decide whether to run the 11-year-old, in whose absence the weights for the National will rise by 15lb.
But at Worcester races yesterday he said: "It's going to take very fast ground for him not to run. He's been trained for the race. If the ground is like it is here I'd be very happy to run him.
"They're calling it `good' and I'm sure it is although it's no formality at the moment."
Aintree began watering the National course yesterday.
Meanwhile, Lorcan Wyer picked up the plum spare ride on General Wolfe on the eve of the final declarations for Saturday's big race. The 31-year-old has been chosen to partner the Tim Forster trained gelding whose regular partner Richard Dunwoody is committed to riding Smith's Band.
It is a massive vote of confidence in the Irishman, whose last visit to Aintree resulted in a three-month lay-off due to severe facial injuries suffered in a fall on Thornton Gate in November.
Australian Jamie Evans will ride National outsider Mugoni Beach. But Martin Pipe's plans for his two other entries in the Aintree showpiece remain fluid.
A spokeswoman for the champion trainer said: "Jamie Evans rides Mugoni Beach but we haven't found a jockey for Evangelica."
Challenger du Luc runs today in the Martell Cup and is considered doubtful at this stage for the Grand National. Another National entry in action today is, Master Boston, who lines up the John Hughes Trophy.
. Richard Mandella may be singing all the way to the bank by producing South American recruit Siphon to win a rescheduled edition of the world's richest prize, the 54 million Dubai World Cup, at Nad Al Sheba today.
The former Brazilian star-defends a proud record of 12 wins from 21 starts, including Grade One wins in the Hollywood Gold, Cup and the Santa Anita Handicap. He can sink a five strong British challenge.
