McManus runners dominate National entry

A RECORD entry of 152 has been received for the John Smith’s Grand National on April 9 with legendary owner JP McManus responsible for no less than 19 of those engaged.

The Jonjo O’Neill-trained Clan Royal came within three lengths of carrying McManus’s famous green and gold silks to victory in last year’s renewal of the Aintree showpiece, and he could try to go one better in the £700,000 contest this year.

Clan Royal filled the runner-up spot in 2004 and has been entered again along with the first seven home that day - winner Amberleigh House, Lord Atterbury (3rd), 2003 winner Monty’s Pass (4th), Spot Thedifference (5th), Smarty (6th) and Ardent Scout (7th). McManus has also entered the high-class First Gold, who is one of four French-trained entries, with the 2002 Queen Mother Champion Chase victor Flagship Uberalles an interesting entry.