Clan Royal set for Aintree return (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Clan Royal set for Aintree return

COTSWOLDS Jonjo O'Neill has revealed that Clan Royal will not run again this season and will be trained specifically for next year's Grand National.

There was disappointment at Aintree on Saturday when the ten-year-old, second in the National 12 months ago, was stopped in its tracks by a loose horse ahead of Becher's second time around.

"He's finished for the season and I hope we can try again next year," said O'Neill.

"He was in grand form on Sunday morning, bucking and kicking in the field, and next season I think I'll keep him to hurdles as I intended doing this winter."

Clan Royal's jockey Tony McCoy was swiftly back in the groove when riding two winners at Worcester on Sunday.

The champion jockey steered favourites Thyne For Intersky and Young Dude to victory for the Jackdaws Castle handler.

2002 winner Bindaree, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, completed the formidable Aintree course when becoming one of the 21 finishers in 11 th place one behind 2004 winner Amberleigh House.

Twiston-Davies did manage a winner at Liverpool when 50/1 chance Cool Guy win the afternoon's final race.

There's a six-race National Hunt card at Stratford on Sunday when officials at Luddington Road are hoping for a repeat of last month's hugely successful Irish Day.

Gates open at noon and the first race is under starter's orders at 2.25pm.

There will be live music and free entertainment for the children in the centre course and picnic area where admission costs just £6 with accompanied children under-16 gaining free entry.

Admission to other parts of the course are Tattersalls Enclosure £12 and £16 to the Club Enclosure.

There's more midweek action under the gaze of Cleeve Hill on Wednesday, April 27 with a third meeting of the year at Chelten-ham, while there's a Saturday meeting at Pitchcroft, Worcester on April 30.