HEDGEHUNTER, last year’s John Smith’s Grand National hero, will share joint top weight of 11st 12lb following the news that 96 horses stand their ground at the second forfeit stage for next month’s renewal of the Aintree marathon.

Monkerhostin has been allocated top-weight of 11st 12lb for the John Smith’s Grand National by senior British Horseracing Board jumps handicapper Phil Smith.

Jason Maguire is hoping to savour a second success at the Cheltenham Festival next month.

LAST YEAR’S winner Hedgehunter heads a healthy entry of 148 for the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on April 8.

Paul Nicholls has a powerful 10-strong team entered in the John Smith’s Grand National as he continues his quest for his first trainers’ championship.

IRISH mare Asian Maze and Howard Johnson’s No Refuge head the 18 entries for the Byrne Bros Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Ruby Walsh made a smooth return to riding action at Warwick as Eurotrek landed a gamble in the feature totesport Classic Chase.

PHILIP ROTHWELL believes Loughanelteen faces a tough task in the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Andrew Thornton is convinced Sir Rembrandt can make a mockery of the recent formbook by winning the totesport Classic Chase at Warwick on Saturday.

Ante-post favourite Joaaci must shoulder top weight if he is to win the totesport Classic Chase at Warwick on Saturday.

RACING DEMON, ante-post favourite for the Arkle Trophy, will step up to two-and-a-half miles for the first time at Ludlow on Thursday.

Paul Nicholls made strong headway in his epic battle with Martin Pipe for the trainers’ championship when the title race went north of the border to Perth yesterday.

My Will got the better of Joaaci in a thrilling finish to the SBJ Nelson Steavenson Novices’ Chase at Perth today.