Concorde confirmed for National

DERMOT WELD is to have his first Grand National runner for 16 years after confirming Majestic Concorde a definite starter in the John Smith’s-sponsored showpiece at Aintree on Saturday.

The Curragh handler went close with Greasepaint, who was runner-up in 1983 and 1984. He has not had a National starter since Ebony Jane finished 12th in 1995, sending out winners all over the world instead from the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot to the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.

Weld gave Majestic Concorde the go-ahead for the four-and-a-half-mile spectacular following a pleasing schooling session in which he was partnered by his big-race jockey Robbie McNamara.