Rasher ruled out for season

Ballybough Rasher, winner of the Charlie Hall Chase last November, has been ruled out for the season.

Trainer Howard Johnson entered the nine-year-old for the Martell Cognac Grand National after that six-length win at Wetherby and the gelding had been given 11st 3lb in the handicap.

However, Johnson confirmed he will be taken out of the race at the first forfeit stage.

He told the Racing Post: “He just hasn’t been right since the Charlie Hall. He got a bit of a knock and I have told the owner we will let him down now and he will not run again this season.

“It is a shame but he should be okay, he will be back next season. Time is on his side.”

Johnson also has Valley Henry (11st 8lb) in the National but he is likely to head for the Martell Cup instead.

Johnson added: “Valley Henry will go to Liverpool, but it will probably be for the Martell Cup, though we might just leave him in (the National) to see.”