Kingsmark’s late withdrawal from Grand National

WELL-FANCIED Kingsmark was ruled out of Saturday’s Martell Cognac Grand National yesterday just hours after being among the 40 final declarations for the race.

The 25-1 shot, fourth in the race last year, was found to have heat in a tendon at trainer Martin Todhunter’s Yorkshire stables 20 minutes before declaration time.

“It’s a slight bit of heat in a foreleg,” said Todhunter. “We informed the Jockey Club and declared the horse, and we looked at it again this afternoon. We’ve had a cold bandage on trying to cool it but the heat’s still there.” Kingsmark’s defection means that one of the four reserves, Bramblehill Duke, is now assured of a run.