Etoile to race in Grand National

Accordion Etoile will make his third trip to British shores this season, with trainer Paul Nolan aiming him for the John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle on Grand National day.

A progressive type who landed the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham in November, Accordion Etoile returned to Prestbury Park for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle last week and was far from disgraced when fourth, just over three lengths behind winner Hardy Eustace.