Grand National: Sir Rembrandt limps out

Sir Rembrandt, twice placed in Gold Cups, has been ruled out of tomorrow's Grand National through lameness. The Robert Alner-trained gelding was the highest-profile absentee from the maximum 40-strong field at yesterday's final declaration stage. "He did his final gallop the previous day and he was fine, but he pulled out this morning a little bit lame and we can't take a chance in a race like that," Alner said.

The cross-country specialist Spot Thedifference, who has completed the past two Nationals, will also miss the race after registering a poor blood profile. The four reserves, who will get a run if there are further defectors this morning, are headed by Lord Atterbury, third two years ago.