Clan Royal back out soon

Clan Royal is set to continue his build-up to a third crack at the John Smith’s Grand National with a second run over hurdles later this month.

The 11-year-old, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, looked desperately unlucky in the Aintree spectacular last April, being carried out by a loose horse when leading at Becher’s Brook on the second circuit.

He had his first run since then when fifth in a handicap hurdle over an extended two and three quarter miles at Exeter a month ago.

“We’re likely to see him out in a fortnight’s time or so somewhere, probably in a hurdle race,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.

“He was very keen early on at Exeter. He’s usually like that in his early races. He was just a bit too fresh.

“Hopefully he’ll have another two races before Aintree. He’ll run somewhere in two or three weeks.

"He’s in good form and came out of the race well.”

Clan Royal is ante-post favourite for the world’s greatest steeplechase at a best-priced 10-1 and was runner-up to Amberleigh House two years ago.