Cloudy fine after Kelso spill

Cloudy Lane is likely to go straight for the John Smith’s Grand National following his first-fence fall at Kelso on Saturday.

Trainer Donald McCain will stick to the original plan for last year’s Aintree sixth, who carried on riderless after his early departure from the extended two and three-quarter mile contest.

The nine-year-old, owned by Trevor Hemmings, returned with a slight cut on his leg but is otherwise reported to be none the worse for the experience.

“He has a small nick on one of his forelegs but he’s mad fresh this morning. Apart from that he’s grand and as bright as a button,” said McCain.

“I don’t think he’ll run again before Aintree. I think we would be panicking a little bit if we did.

“I know it wasn’t the same as a race, but he’s gone the entire trip round Kelso and come back. He’s happy, he’s fresh and we’ll get some schooling into him somewhere beforehand.

“We planned on doing it this way so we’re going to stick to that. Hopefully he got his fall out of the way yesterday and not at Aintree.

“When he got to the fence, he knew he was in trouble and he’s done his best to get out of it which has made things worse. He’s got up a bit high and came down too steep. But he’s back home and in one piece, that’s the main thing.”

Cloudy Lane, sent off 7-1 joint-favourite with eventual winner Comply Or Die in last year’s National, is currently a 25-1 chance for the showpiece on April 4.