Racing: Iris Bleu is singled out by McCoy for Aintree

Tony McCoy announced which horse he will partner in Saturday's Grand National and then proceeded to demonstrate just why his pronouncement carries such weight. Returning to the saddle after three weeks out of action with a broken collar-bone, McCoy had the stiffest of workouts to cajole Deano's Beeno for three miles around Ascot to win the Long Distance Hurdle. It was hard to imagine anyone else pushing and shoving long enough and hard enough for the same result.

Iris Bleu, a youngster at the age of seven, will be the lucky recipient of the McCoy treatment in the National, the champion having deserted Blowing Wind, on whom he has finished third in the last two years.

"I just think Iris Bleu's form is a bit better," McCoy said. "He fell at the fifth fence in the National last year, which is a bit worrying, but he's been in good form. He won well at Sandown and ran a great race behind Shotgun Willy at Haydock.

"Shotgun Willy's about 6-1, and Ruby Walsh thinks he's the best of the Paul Nicholls horses – so if Shotgun Willy's got a good chance of winning then Iris Bleu can't be far away. He seems to have improved this season. He stayed well at Sandown, so I hope he'll stay. He goes on any ground.

"If you were going for the safe option you'd go for Blowing Wind, because he'll get round and will give someone a great ride. He's just had his chance, and Iris Bleu has improved at the right time."

Connections of Youlneverwalkalone are more optimistic about the well-backed Irish challenger taking his place in the line-up after rain on Tuesday eased the going. But with drying winds blowing across Aintree, and only light drizzle forecast for today, the participation of J P McManus' Cheltenham winner is still in doubt.

Graham Bradley yesterday said that he is "devastated" that he still faces five years out of racing despite the partial success of his appeal against an eight-year ban from the sport for offences including passing on information for money.

The former jump jockey, now a bloodstock agent, hoped to protect his livelihood by overturning the decision to warn him off racecourses and stables. But after having his ban reduced to five years, Bradley said: "I am very disappointed with the decision. It does not come into effect until 29 April and I will take advice from my legal team about a High Court challenge."

Bradley's solicitor, Andrew Chalk, said: "In some quarters there seems to be a feeling that Graham has got his come-uppance, but it remains that he has not been found guilty of anything which involves corruption or anything remotely criminal. The most serious charge made was that he gave his opinion about horses which he thought would win and was rewarded."