Marauder back in National picture

RED MARAUDER, winner of the 2001 Martell Grand National, had his odds cut from 50-1 to 25-1 to stage a repeat in this year’s renewal of the Aintree spectacular after finishing fourth to Little Sport in the Bet365 0800 4588888 Hurdle (Showcase Handicap) at Newcastle yesterday.

It was his first run since his moment of National glory and without being able to get in a blow, he stayed on in the closing stages and was 10-and-a-half lengths adrift of the winner at the line.

His owner Norman Mason has handed in his permit and the 13-year-old is now trained by Richard Guest, who rode him at Aintree and was on board again yesterday.