Henderson relies on Lib

Nicky Henderson will run just Liberthine in the John Smith’s Grand National next month, which will leave stable jockey Mick Fitzgerald looking around for a ride in the big race.

Liberthine won the Topham Chase over the Aintree fences last year but has disappointed this term, although she was found to be in season on the last two occasions.

She is always ridden by the owner’s son Sam Waley-Cohen and connections took the unusual step of getting her in foal on Tuesday as a precaution.

Henderson also has Iris Royal engaged, but said: “Liberthine would be my only runner. We took Liberthine to Polyglot last year (which failed), but this time we went to Hernando in Newmarket.

“Because she was in season last time it was an insurance policy to get her in foal to make sure she is not in season again at Aintree.”

Fitzgerald, who at one point announced he was to retire after the National and could still do so, is likely to be in demand from other trainers.