Guest not to ride in National

Trainer Richard Guest had been informed that he is not allowed to ride his Red Striker in Saturday’s Martell Cognac Grand National due to a new Jockey Club ruling.

The County Durham-based handler had been planning to partner the 10-year-old in the marathon contest but instead has become the first casualty of a new integrity rule aimed at preventing trainers from riding their own horses.

“The world has gone a bit mad,” Guest told the Times.

“It’s a disappointment that the owners are poking their noses in, I can’t see what they think I might do. Having said that, the Jockey Club have been very sympathetic and I understand the pressure they are under.

“I shall probably give up the thought of riding again. I am a trainer now, with a lot to look forward to,” he added.

Guest rode the Henrietta Knight-trained Chives in last year’s contest and Jockey Club spokesman John Maxse told the Times: “I accept there is inconsistency and it can be argued that last year was a worse case but he had been given special dispensation for that ride when his training licence was issued.

“We are only now introducing a new rule to cover such circumstances and it is partly due to concerns being expressed by the racehorse Owners’ Association after last year’s race.

“If Richard Guest had only one runner in the National, we would have no objection to him riding it. He has been told of our decision and I think he understands its logic.”

With Guest ruled out, Larry McGrath will now be aboard Red Striker with Henry Oliver on Tote Eider Chase winner Tyneandthyneagain.

“Both of them want soft ground and if it dries out a lot I might take both of them out and run Mr Bossman instead,” said Guest. “But he would have the minimum of 10 stone, so I definitely won’t be riding him!”