No defections from Grand National field

Friday 10 April 2015, 7:53am

There have been no withdrawals at the 48-hour declaration stage for the Grand National.

Lord Windermere heads the weights for the world's most famous steeplechase at Aintree with 40 horses set to line up on Saturday.

Trained by Jim Culloty, who won the National as a jockey aboard Bindaree in 2002, Lord Windermere won the Gold Cup last year but was pulled up in defence of his crown last month.

Culloty also runs Spring Heeled, also a winner at the Cheltenham Festival last season.

In what could be his final ever ride, Tony McCoy partners Jonjo O'Neill's Shutthefrontdoor.

McCoy has mooted the possibility he would retire on the spot if he won a second National.

Paul Nicholls fields a strong team as he aims to add to what has already been an incredible run of big-race successes this season.

Rocky Creek, fifth last year, Unioniste, Mon Parrain and Rebel Rebellion form Nicholls' team.

Last year's winner Pineau De Re will be joined by his Dr Richard Newland-trained stablemate Royale Knight, who takes the final place in the field.

Second 12 months ago was Balthazar King, trained by Philip Hobbs, who also runs Chance Du Roy and Gas Line Boy.

Alvarado, fourth last year, Al Co and Godsmejudge, the last two winners of the Scottish Grand National, and Cheltenham Festival winners The Druids Nephew and Cause Of Causes are other leading fancies.

Baileys Concerto, Duke Of Lucca, Raz De Maree and The Package are the four reserves needing a late withdrawal to gain a start.

Selective watering will take place at Aintree after a warm dry start to the meeting on Thursday.

– PAA

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