Paddy Brennan, one of the rising stars of the National Hunt scene, has been booked to ride the Ginger McCain-trained Inca Trail in the John Smith’s Grand National.

Eight Britons were among 13 tourists robbed by armed assailants wearing ski masks as they camped on Peru’s famed Inca Trail, authorities said today.

Racing starts its three-day Christmas break on Thursday so punters have one last chance to pay for the presents by finding a winner – and avoiding the turkeys – at tomorrow’s three meetings.