Grand National 2017 – The final field of 40 in Saturday’s Grand National has been declared
THE LAST SAMURI will carry top-weight in the 2017 renewal of the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
Doctor Harper creeps in at the bottom of the field as the 40th and last runner after Charlie Longsdon's Pendra was withdrawn from the field.
That means trainer David Pipe has a strong hand in this year's Aintree spectacular as he also saddles Vieux Lion Rouge, La Vaticane and Ballynagour.
The Last Samuri was runner-up 12 months ago behind Rule The World, but clearly faces a tougher task this year off a 12lb higher mark.
Jonjo O'Neill will saddle More Of That who is one of three runners for owner JP McManus along with Cause Of Causes and Regal Encore.
Gigginstown won the National last year with Mouse Morris' Rule The World and they will be represented by Roi Des Francs, Wounded Warrior, Measureofmydreams, Thunder And Roses and Rogue Angel.
Former Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere lines up while last year's RSA hero Blaklion runs for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and jockey Noel Fehily.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has five runners as he looks to win a second National.
Saphir Du Rheu, Le Mercurey, Just A Par, Vicente and Wonderful Charm will all take their chances.
Definitly Red, One For Arthur, Highland Lodge, Pleasant Company and The Young Master are others to note.
Bless The Wings, Knock House, Sambremont and Viva Steve have been confirmed as the reserves.