Horseracing: Irish may pull out of Aintree festival

Speculation is growing that Irish horses will pull out of this year's Aintree Grand National in Britain because of the foot and mouth crisis.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup has already been abandoned for the same reason, and many Irish trainers are believed to be on the verge of pulling their charges out of the Aintree festival due to advice from the Department of Agriculture.

It had been hoped that last year's winner Papillon would be able to defend his title this year.

The Irish Horse Racing Authority is due to meet with Department representatives next Friday to discuss a phased return to racing in this country.