Royal Shakespeare to step up to Grade Two

Trainer Steve Gollings will step his promising youngster Royal Shakespeare up to Grade Two company at the Grand National meeting.

But whether the five-year-old goes for the Martell Cognac Makro Mersey Novices’ Hurdle over two and a half miles on the opening day, or waits for the Premier Convenience Stores Top Novices’ Hurdle over extended two miles on Friday, has yet to be decided.